Dear ... uhm ... Everyone?
Please note - this may or may not apply to you... but I've seen so much fear and loathing posting up on Facebook. A good rant has it's place (and I LURVE me some sarcasm) but please remember.... negativity spreads fast.
I wanna let folks know that this isn't the President's fault. The guy isn't Jesus, no matter how desperately some people want him to be. He is also not all powerful. Obama canna point a gun at the members of Congress and say "PASS A BUDGET OR ELSE!" (though I'd be kinda amused if he wanted to) so for those out there being Obama-Haters, stop blaming him for Congress not getting stuff done. Hate yer state reps first.
Write your legislators, ask them questions. Research their stance on the current crisis. If they don't respond to your concerns, or you don't like how they're comporting themselves, consider letting them know how you feel during elections. Ok, you can let 'em know before that - but booting their asses out of office with nothing more than a click of your electronic vote feels nice.
Use the tools you have. It takes time, but its better to be active and have UNDERSTANDING of what's happening. Do some research. Project competence rather than desperation.
While yes, posting about things on Facebook and setting up events with people attending DOES send a certain message (odd how social media has started affecting government and media coverage... but that's another story) it's a few clicks and that's it. If you're furious or desperate or terrified - DO MORE! LEARN MORE! Google is your friend - TriCare is NOT shutting down. The Chaplains and the FFSC and Military OneSource and your ombudsmen/key spouses still have resources to help deal with emotional and financial stress.
MANY resources are available for our military members - NMCRS is geared up and doing their best. USAA and NavyFed (and any other civilian company, really) are ALL aware of potential issues. Command financial counselors have info at the ready if you need help or just want reassurance.
I LOVE me a good rant, especially one peppered with wit and sarcasm - but I'm asking for a favor: if you're going to post, try to post something constructive along with your vents and rants. So many companies have already issued advice on how to handle the situation.
We all know how to be frugal - as military families, many of us have dealt with scary lean times before. If not? Again, Military OneSource has GREAT info on not just budgeting, but budget friendly, healthy recipes, inexpensive family activities, and more.
I am HELLACIOUSLY and VICIOUSLY proud of my friends and family in the military. Stay strong, stay proud. USE the voice and the knowledge you have to let Congress know how you feel and how you're affected. Help others as you can - maybe carpool? Consider inviting families over for pasta and a movie, especially if they're lower enlisted and obviously nervous. Help people learn some coping and budgeting skills - stop and smell the roses... now is the time to enjoy life's simpler pleasures. I, for one, will miss my hazelnut mochas and an additional open skate night, and those new releases on iTunes, and of COURSE there are like, four series of books releasing new titles this week - but hey - my family being secure and happy is more important than the temporary satisfaction I get out of buying those things.
I think it will be VERY interesting to see how our military and government employees NOT putting money into the economy affects things.
And in the meantime? I'm putting my congressmen and women under the microscope and when pay does kick back in, I'm relabeling my savings account: "For the Next Time Congress Sucks."
Love and Politics,
~Me
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