Government Shutdown Checklist

The March 4th buzz? Prepare for a potential U.S. government shutdown if an agreement has not been reached between both sides of the political spectrum. America is broke brother. Her kitty is empty. She is cashed out. There's not enough dough-re-mi to purchase butane for the torch. So she must cut spending. In response, rumors are swirling of a government shutdown.

Congress didn't want their $60 billion in federal cuts getting in the way of a potential government shutdown but it is what it is. Or is it? Actually the other way around -- it took the cuts to run a couple of politicians out of town and spark the notion of a government shutdown.

That is what America wanted? Right, less government. Don't think it's cut and dry. Military dodged a budget bomb, again. It is written in drone.

For instance, one General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper [unmanned plane - drone] with sensors costs $10.5 million. Far from any salary collected by those punched in the face by the thrusting federal cuts. And why should a couple of employees lose their jobs over the same amount of funds [if not more] to build one drone?

CBS reports House Speaker Boehner is defined by majority leader Harry Reid (D) as a disappointment. "We're terribly disappointed that Speaker Boehner can't control the votes..."

Boehner spits it out. "Read my lips, we're going to cut spending." We are broke brother and spending is out of control. Democrats and Republicans are at two sides over federal budget cuts. But what to consider should there be a government shutdown?

Post offices are rumored not to run during a government shutdown yet according to Washington Independent during 2005 the government shutdown did not stop mail from being delivered. So, what's an alleged missed letter, right? Wrong.

Bill collectors don't care if the government shuts down, just keep the money coming! There are no hardship programs involving a government shutdown, therefore, send those bills out before the pony express turns into a non-delivery no less. Avoid having any utilities turned off and get those mortgage and rent payments out before the government shuts down.

Medical supplies traveling will suffer layovers if the government squeezes in temporarily absence. Make sure you have the supplies you need whenever the government is threatened to experience a shutdown. You will be ahead of the game if you plan this move.

Veteran's benefits, social security and other government assisted programs halts during a government shutdown. Meaning, do not pass go, no collecting benefits [checks]. Time for that backup plan should the funds be inaccessible.Take out enough money from the bank to take care of your scheduled or daily needs should you need cash at hand.

Scratch passports, it's not happening! All bets off when it comes to passport applications. Not many Americans are traveling to Egypt these days but Canada is another story.

I.D. expires soon? Take care of it before a potential government shutdown gets in the way. It could be military, school or vehicle related.

Government owned buildings, parks and recreations remain closed during a government shutdown. Reschedule the trip(s) when the government re-opens. Find something else to do. Purchase some cards and poker chips.

A government shutdown is not the end of the world - just a temporary cease of federal assistance, programs, funds, businesses and operations. Sure, no one will notice the difference - if they live in Egypt.

You can't control the world falling apart around you but you can prepare.

Source(s): Washington Independent; CBS (2/23/11)