This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The story "Sequestration: Hill Air Force Base's civilians may face 22 unpaid days" (Tribune, Feb. 22) reported that thousands of Utahns would be forced to take many unpaid days off if Congress does not reach a budget agreement.
Sen. Orrin Hatch told Utah lawmakers that if it comes, he supports sequestration: "We've got to face the music now, or it will be much tougher later."
Apparently, "We've got to face the music" does not include Congress. I do not believe they would work for 22 days for free or donate their wages toward fixing the fiscal slope. Wouldn't it be nice to see Congress work for 22 days without pay, helping the working class?
Congress has always voted for its own raises without considering that the federal government is in the red. Yet they play games with the lives and future of the working class and their spouses and children.
Will the sequester go so far as to create an increase in foreclosures and homeless or broken families?
I pray that those in Congress who have lost connection with and understanding of the middle- and lower-class people will act on behalf of the 47 percent.
Fred Reyes Sr.
Salt Lake City