To all of those talking about sequestration being a "lessening of increases" or (just) "a 2 percent cut": If only that were so. If the impact of sequestration was spread across the entire government, that would be true, but given the entities that are exempt, those not exempt carry a disproportionate load.

I myself will be fine, given my relative seniority and spending and saving habits. But don't easily dismiss those of my employees losing 20 percent of their income, particularly those single parents. That is an outright cut for them and it is not minuscule.

I protest the re-election of every incumbent regardless of party and concur with those who believe neither the president nor the Congress should be paid until a budget is in place.

It would also be nice if they would stop acting like "compromise" is a dirty word and start putting the country ahead of party.

I remain an Independent looking for a positive party but doubting I will see one in my lifetime. Sad to say.

James Smith

Ruther Glen