Public Servant March 2013

THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 1

PSThe official student publication of the Bush School of Government and Public Service

V o l u m e 1 4 , I S S u e 3 , m a r c h 2 0 1 3

Bush Schoo l Students Surprise President Bush with Flash Mob

Bush School Builds Habitat for Humanity House in College Station

Honoring our namesake Bushwhacker Boogie style

Breaking ground on the Bush Build to honor the President and Mrs. Bush

Students of the Bush School of Government and Public Service came together to honor the school’s name sake on Friday, March 1, 2013. The special event took place during the International Affairs Program Inter-view Conference Weekend. The idea was first presented to the students by Presi-dent George H. W. Bush’s staff. When the students learned the President had never seen a flash mob and that it was something he would enjoy, they jumped at the chance to make the flash mob a reality. With the full support of the Bush School administration and the eagerness of the students to honor their namesake, the planning got off to an enthusiastic start...

See FLASH MOB on page 2

On Saturday, Mar. 2, 2013, Bush School students joined the Ybarra family at the Faith subdivision in North Bryan for the wall-raising ceremony marking the start of construction on their new home. This ceremony marked the culmination of more than a year’s worth of work by Bush School students who started this project to honor President and Mrs. Bush with the dedication of a Habitat for Humanity house in their name. The home will be owned by the Ybarra family, who has five children. Mr. Ybarra has already put in 230 of 500 hours of sweat equity...

See BUSH BUILD on page 3

By Taylor Hall (MPSA ‘14)

By Robby Smith (MPSA ‘14)

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Photo by CHANDLER ARDEN

Photo by JENNIFER HARRIS

Jenna Bush explains the flash mob to an excited President and Mrs Bush

Bush School students raise walls at the home in Faith Subdivision


The Public ServanT | march 2013

The Local

Photo by CHANDLER ARDEN

“As the graduating class of 2013, it is our honor to do this for the Pres-ident,” said Warren Chalklen, MPSA Class of 2013. “He always surprises us and it is our turn to surprise him. We’ve had a great time bonding as a group and we hope he enjoys it as much as we enjoyed putting it to-gether.” The special presentation for President Bush has been in the works since fall of 2012. The official planning began after the President was released from the hospital and confirmed once it was established that he would be visiting the school in March. The country’s premiere flash mob producer, Flash Mob America, was hired to choreograph the presentation. The company has produced flash mob events for many special occasions, television shows, tributes, and celebrities in-cluding Janet Jackson, Rachel Ray, and Cee Lo Green. Barbara Bush was in on the event too. Becker showed her some flash mob videos before the event so she would know what a flash mob was. She was so excited, she asked if she needed to learn the dance too! In order to give the flash mob a unique spin, Dean Card, along with student planners, decided to make it Texas country themed. This deci-sion was made to honor the Presi-dent’s deep love for the state and its culture. In addition, to make the event more special, Dean Card and a few students rewrote the famous Brooks & Dunn song “Boot Scootin’

Boogie” and transformed it into the “Bushwhacker Boogie.” The song was rerecorded by country western singer Robert Tarzan from Nash-ville, TN. Barbara Bush, granddaughter Jenna Bush Hagar and the Bush Li-brary Advisory Council members were also present for the flash mob. Jenna Bush Hager attended the event, bringing her TODAY show crew to cover it. The flash mob was nationally televised on Tuesday, March 12. The event was truly be unforgettable for the students of the Bush School and hopefully for the President himself. The President’s reaction was just as all of those involved had hoped. At first, not quite sure of what was going on, Jenna Bush Hager leaned over to tell her grand-father that he was watching a flash mob performed by Bush School

FLASH MOB

Bush School students boogie for President Bush and Barbara

students. From that moment on, the President was all smiles as he watched the performance unfold. He loved the lyrics and asked for an encore at the end. Afterwards, when students had the privilege of shaking hands with the President, an MPSA student asked the President what he thought of the event. “It was great - no, it was really great,” said Former President George H. W. Bush. Robin Elliot, MPSA Class of 2014, joked that she wants to tell her future children about how she was a part of a flash mob performance for President George H.W. Bush. “It was an amazing opportunity that I’ll never forget,” Elliot said. This event is definitely one that will go down in Bushwhacker history as a moment of epic proportions!


required by Habitat homeowners. Once the decision was made and approval granted to move for-ward with the project, the fundrais-ing began with a goal of $40,000. Considering the complexity of the plan, this effort was unique among the student fundraising efforts here, according to Travis Stalcup, second year MPIA student and project lead. “It’s small enough that a part-time fundraising group like us can make it, but it’s also large enough that no one can simply write a check or host a bake sale to cover the whole thing.” Stalcup said that they needed a plan, and executing that plan took more than a semester. Bush School students helped in the fundraising by personally do-nating, making calls to donors, and participating in the trivia night fun-draiser in the fall. “This was a Bush School stu-dent-project, which gave us a lot of control over the fundraising pro-cess, but also 100% of the responsi-bility,” Stalcup said. “The Bush School does a lot of volunteering and a bit of fundrais-ing for events, but to my knowledge it hasn’t done something that’s a stand-alone project and not part-nered with other groups.” Stalcup and others believe this is a great cause students should be a part of. “Moreover, of all the student projects, this is the one that will re-main 30+ years from now,” Stalcup added. Habitat is at the forefront of providing affordable housing to the Bryan/ College Station area.

Photo by JENNIFER HARRISBush School students and faculty pose with the Ybarra family at the groundbreaking

BUSH BUILD

On Tuesday, March 5, the Bush School Student Government As-sociation (SGA) introduced a new constitution and bylaws. Class rep-resentatives will be voting on the new documents on Tuesday, March 19. Student body President Naa-man Akinola said he is undecided on how the question of the Consti-tution will be presented for voting. Some representatives voiced inter-est in voting on one amendment at a time, while the SGA executive team prefers an all-inclusive vote. A 2/3 majority vote of all representatives present is required for passage. Fol-lowing this, a referendum vote of the student body will take place, which will require a simple majority for passage. This article explains the biggest changes the ad-hoc constitution

Proposed Constitution for Student GovernmentPromoting an Informed Voter PopulationBy Thanks and Gig ‘Em

committee has recommended. Sa-vannah Collins, a first year MPSA student, has provided remarks and interpretation of the changes. “I am here to try to express the opinion of the entire executive board,” Collins said. Among the changes is a pro-posed presidential veto mechanism for the president to check the au-thority for the power of the class representatives. “Because the class representa-tives are elected in the fall and serve for two years at the Bush School and never have to be reconfirmed,” said Akinola, “this change helps balance the power.” Collins said that Akinola is con-cerned a situation may arise where a representative may gang up on the student body or...

See PROPOSAL on page 10



T he Opinions

Photo by HILLPOST.IN

The world has changed rap-idly since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Countries rise and fall, emphasizing the risk in the progress of human history. Nowadays, China is a major rising power in the world. In the past 30 years, we’ve wit-nessed a growing influence from China. Emerging from national problems, political turmoil, and economic backwardness in the de-cades following the founding of re-gime in 1949, China has been rap-idly improving its living standards, mitigating poverty and starvation, and enhancing domestic stability. With the increasing power gained from decades of hardwork-ing, inexpensive labor and an ex-port-led economy, China is deter-mined to show the world her muscle. The old glorious history of the Cen-tral Kingdom (Grand Tang Dynasty) and the bleak history of quasi-colo-nization haunt this ancient nation of unifications and partitions, conflicts and scandals. Its neighbors see an emerg-ing light of ambition from the for-mer Central Kingdom, and China is asserting more muscle with her neighbors in all directions. China is disputing maritime territory with Japan, Korea, Indo-China countries and mainland territory with Viet-nam, India, Central Asia, and even

A Mitigated StormBy Henry Cao (MPIA 2014)

China’s old buddy Russia. As China and India are both emerging regional powers in Asia, the risk of conflict between the two countries increases. The history of bitter battles from the 1960s is still fresh in the memory of both coun-tries. And now China and India are competing in every field across the globe, but particularly in the arms industry. Both China and India are testing and equipping new models of Long Range Strategic Missiles, aircraft carriers, and fourth-genera-tion jet fighters. China and India are racing and refreshing their armories against one another – a dangerous element for regional stability in an area with multiple powder kegs like the Taiwan Strait and the Korean

Peninsula. Balancing the powers of the Asia-Pacific and lessening this emerging possibility of instability, major powers, in particular the US, remain active in this area. As the only superpower in the world, the US wields mighty diplomatic and military power. As a global gendar-merie, the US polices worldwide, and in this case, the US is both feared and revered by both sides due to its capability to annihilate each. When an offshore balancer threatens both regional powers, they are unwilling to go to war with the other regional power for fear of being destroyed, by the offshore balancer. In 1962, China was winning de-cisively in the Sino-Indian War, but the US threatened to send troops supporting India against China. Soon thereafter, China ceased fire unilaterally; regional peace…

See STORM on page 10

US hegemony key to keeping the peace between India and China


Prior to leaving for India, I had a few reservations about what to expect after I landed in a country my grandparents had called their own prior to 1947. Due to my Pak-istani birth, I had issues acquiring a visa even though I’m a US citi-zen. Furthermore, I heard nothing but warnings from my family and friends. When I boarded my flight, I expected everything that could possibly go wrong to go wrong. To my surprise, my travels to In-dia couldn’t have been better. But, would one great experience con-vince me to relocate to India in the future? I’m still letting the thought marinate. Being able to speak Hindi and look like a native was my golden ticket for getting around in New

Photo by KEHKASHAN DADWANI

Accepted by the Unexpected in IndiaBy Kehkashan Dadwani (MPIA ‘14)

Delhi without a hassle. If I did ever make the decision to move to India, the transition would be smooth in that regard. Most of my Indian counter-parts speak English and dress in Western wear. Having an affinity for Indian foods - and the scorch-ing spices that made everyone else sweat while in India - also helps. Did I mention I could now put down “expert haggler” on my re-sume as well? One of my biggest concerns about India was being accepted due to my heritage. It is no secret that Indians and Pakistanis are quite hostile towards each other, even if it’s just playing a “friendly” game of cricket. However, I was welcomed into the…

See INDIA on page 10

Let’s be honest. We have all heard the word “sequestration” used ad nauseam in the news for the last twelve months. For the majority of Americans, it is a word whose defi-nition is largely unknown but whose very utterance is meant to invoke a sense of fear and urging to prevent whatever apocalyptic state seques-tration might bring. Has it worked? Does putting “sequestration” in big, bold, black letters on the front page of the New York Times cause millions of Americans to call their congressmen and congresswomen and demand an end to the constant bickering? Or do we just resort to name-calling and blog posting, hop-ing that eventually someone will magically restore balance and help push through a successful budget? It seems that because most Americans do not fully understand, nor can explain, the repercussions of sequestration, we are afraid to call on those who represent us and request a change. Well, friends, here is a quick run-down of what lies ahead. The US government is currently operating under what is known as a continuing appropriations resolu-tion... See SEQUESTRATION on page 11

Sequestration: A Scary Word that No One Seems to UnderstandBy Courtney Burge (MPIA ‘13)

Bush School Students (Kathleen Karika, Kehkashan Dadwani, and Caitlin Harwood) get to know the locals during a field trip



the Radish

Email Overload 2X2

Missed ConnectionsRound 3

Lassoin’ Lady LoveHowdy Y’all! I reckon I’mma fixin’ to wrangle me up a lady friend I saw at that there mud-truck cattle drive on Saturday. Y’all were wearing camo-print boots with matchin’ shorts, and a lower back tattoo of our flag, the Confederate flag. If y’all are in-terested, I’ll be at the Dixie Chicken on ka-raoke night, every night, wearin’ a sleeve-less Blue Collar Comedy Tour t-shirt.

Carry Me AwayI overheard your passionate arguments about the defensive mechanisms of aircraft carriers. I disagree with your assessment that the carrier can evade an attack using the AN/SLQ 25 Nixie. Advancements in torpedo technology make the maritime domain offense-dominant, especially since there is currently no countermeasure for wake-homing torpedos. But your heart is in the right place. Want to meet up and chat about the LCS program?

Lovely Lenten LadyI spoke briefly with you at mass on Sunday. We exchanged lenten promises. I told you I was giving up wearing my tshirt in the pool and you were giving up taking selfies. I’ll be in lot 111 in a gray Pontiac Vibe all day Saturday!

See MISSED on page 11


Public Service HoroscopeAries:You couldn’t afford to go to India or Germany in the spring, but fortunately International Beer Night counts for 3 credit hours. It’s a good class.

Taurus:You begin to question your likelihood of finding a job when you see acronyms taking on new meanings: DIA (Do it Again), CIA (Can’t Interpret Application), FEMA (Federal Employment My @$$), DEA (Don’t Even Apply), DHS (Doesn’t Hire Students), FBI (Far Beyond Impossible), PMF (Promises More Frustration).

Gemini:Your recent speech on West African intervention had less substance than puns: Mali was a pain, Togo or not Togo in with forces is the question, and theres a chance that the en-tire thing could be a Burkina Fiasco.

Cancer:Word of advice: Saying “I just saw Les Miserables at zero dark thirty with my gangster squad” doesn’t make you sound any tougher, and the fact is everyone still knows you cried.

Leo:If your Spring Break plans involve the word regression, then you ought to remove the word break.

Virgo:Interview Conference Weekend goal: Bring Johnny Foot-ball to the Bush School.

Libra:You scored major points among Bush School insiders when you wrote a letter and finished it with, “P.S. It’s a noble calling.”

Scorpio:Don’t be fooled. The laughter on the other end of the phone during your language exam was not because of your witty conversational skills. On the bright side, an extra semester gives you more time to find a job.

Sagittarius:The newest Phillips 66 internship opened at the Phillips 66 around the corner: Your resume is being strongly considered.

Capricorn:Attending the mingling mixer and etiquette dinner in gym shorts and a “dress” tank top while explaining that, “when the sun is out, the guns are out” is not building your professional image. Move back two spaces.

Aquarius:The good news is you made really good friends during the first three semesters. The bad news is that you have one se-mester to lose them thanks to Capstone.

Pisces:You will hear the following at least four more times this week: “Rabble rabble rabble, my program is so much harder and populated by so much more industrious and diligent people because we work harder and know more. Rabble rabble rab-ble” says person x from program y.

Email Overload 2X2Probability incoming email will be deleted

Will respond immediately

whilst smiling

Will respond, begrudgingly;

truancy is conceivable

Send to spam folder, angrily

reply all, delete

Eager response;

bread is better than freedom

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Findings: email sender has dominant strategy to o�er free lunch

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Academics

Photo by STATE.GOV

While remaining cognizant that he may not see the abolition of nuclear weapons in his lifetime, President Obama and his adminis-tration must act more decisively to reduce the amount of nuclear weap-ons. On the matter of nuclear weap-ons, the president recognizes the growing trend among foreign policy and international security experts: It is no longer in a state’s interests to possess such a high number of nukes. A variety of authorities from different backgrounds have increas-ingly argued this point. In a January 2013 New York Times op-ed, Ward Wilson pointedly dispelled several myths about nuclear weapons: that they significantly affected the end-ing of World War II; that decisive destruction wins wars; that reliable nuclear deterrence exists; that peace since 1945 has been kept because of nuclear weapons; and, most criti-cally, that irreversibility is a logical argument against disarming when the “question isn’t whether nuclear weapons can be disinvented, but whether they are useful.” Retired General James Cart-wright similarly called for the grad-ual abolition of nuclear weapons in a May 2012 Global Zero report. Cartwright, the commander of

The Time Has ComeBy Ian Hansen (MPIA ‘13)

American nuclear forces from 2004-2007, found that in today’s world the United States would be wise to eliminate intercontinental ballistic missiles and cut 80% of our nuclear warheads. The fight against nuclear weap-ons is also supported by George Shultz, William J. Perry, Henry Kissinger, and Sam Nunn. In March 2011, the esteemed statesmen and “four horsemen of the nuclear apoc-alypse” wrote their third op-ed argu-ing for the abolishment of nuclear weapons. In it, they stated that nu-clear deterrence was as obsolete as the Cold War itself. Specifically, they argued that states must face “the re-

alization that continued reliance on nuclear weapons as the principal element for deterrence is encourag-ing, or at least excusing, the spread of these weapons, and will inevitably erode the essential cooperation nec-essary to avoid proliferation, protect nuclear materials and deal effective-ly with new threats.” In a bipolar world, the great peril associated with nuclear war seemed to ensure stability between the two major powers. Such a bipolar world no longer exists, however, and the nuclear deterrence doctrine is out of place in today’s world. Even Iran’s apparent desire to attain a nuclear weapon is unlikely to usher in bipolarity in the Mid-dle East. In fact, it could conceiv-ably produce an arms race if Saudi Arabia felt compelled to respond by purchasing nuclear materials or

A Call for Further Nuclear Weapons Reductions


Photo by NV.GOV

technology. The result would be a situation with multiple nuclear states, in close proximity, in a histor-ically volatile region. This possibil-ity highlights the greatest threats of nuclear weapons today: the chance of accident, terrorism, or rapid esca-lation leading to nuclear war. The measure of success for the future of nuclear weapons will not be judged on intent but instead on achievements. In the first term, the Obama administration’s chief ac-complishment, the New START Treaty, was indeed an auspicious beginning for significant reform. Both Russia and the United States set limits on strategic launchers and reestablished an inspection regime that had lapsed. Due to the gravity of the situa-tion, however, at least three more things must happen in President Obama’s second term. First, the United States and Russia must im-prove relations and agree to enact further cuts. As noted by Micah Ze-

nko in Toward Deeper Reductions in U.S. and Russian Nuclear Weap-ons, a future agreement between the U.S. and Russia would need to address tactical nuclear weapons deployment, missile defense, and the use of nuclear vehicles for con-ventional weapons. These topics may seem like intractable challeng-es with the relentless appearance of peripheral issues, but the greater matter at hand cannot be forgotten. History offers numerous examples (e.g., the Intermediate-Range Nu-clear Forces Treaty) showing that real progress can be made with will-ing leadership. President Obama and President Putin must find a way to work with one another. Second, other states must exhib-it a willingness to reduce their nu-clear stockpiles. Take France, which possesses around 300 operational weapons, as an example. Some have argued that France would be un-willing to cut its nuclear arsenal as a matter of prestige. The French gov-

ernment’s 2010 agreement to share aircraft carriers and nuclear testing facilities with the British, however, demonstrates that fiscal sensibility can trump prestige in French deci-sion-making. Third, and most critically, the U.S. government must overcome domestic opposition. This opposi-tion stems from a combination of bureaucratic inertia and apprehen-sion that is compounded by threat inflation. Though the former seems ingrained in Washington, it can be overcome by reasserting the value and importance of the mission. As for the latter, the best solu-tion is to reiterate that reducing America’s nuclear arsenal both ben-efits the government financially and makes us safer. Admittedly, making this case will be difficult. The Cold War created a fear that America and its citizens were at risk from nuclear weapons, and the prevailing wisdom for nearly fifty years was that more American weapons meant greater American safety. Moving away from this approach will require a sus-tained effort that demonstrates that safety is no longer associated with loving the bomb. People must come to realize that it is antiquated to be-lieve America could become easily ensnared in an interstate war that would necessitate nuclear weapons. In his second inaugural address, President Obama mentioned neither nuclear weapons nor nuclear disar-mament. Yet, in his second term one solid truth remains: What he will do about nuclear weapons will say infi-nitely more about him than what he says.



The flow-over

I N D I A

PROPOSAL

S T O R M

president, in a way that the presi-dent doesn’t see as beneficial or rep-resenting the student body. Rather than having to go through the re-moval process to deal with that rep-resentative, this veto is more time-effectiveto get something done. Impeachment is the only coun-terweight that the representatives have for the president and the pow-ers thereof. Collins said that there is vague language in the proposed constitu-tion that enumerates the power and authority of the president. There is some discussion about creating programs and committees, as well as defining organizations as a part of SGA that would better serve the student body. There was some concern as to whether or not leaving a bill un-signed should mean automatic ap-proval or disapproval. Collins explained this idea fur-ther. If, as the new constitution pro-poses, a bill has automatic approval after 4 school days, then if the presi-dent does want to vote against the bill, he has to provide a reason to representatives or the SGA. Regarding the proposed amend-ment for a leader of the class repre-sentatives, this position is designed to be a way to organize the class rep-resentatives to make sure they are fulfilling their duties and have ac-countability. Akinola said he views this constitutional change as a de-volution of presidential power, but agrees that the representatives need a leader. “Giving the representatives gre-ate autonomy to have someone to

promote their own affairs will give them greater motivation to involve themselves,” Akinola said. On the proposal of having a joint president-vice president ticket for elections, Collins said that, first-ly, it is not the place of one president to impose their ideas of SGA on the incoming president. Secondly, it is important, in Akinola’s opinon, for students to have the opporunity to vote for the vice president. He doesn’t think the current process is democratic enough. An additional change includes SGA meetings themselves. Cur-rently, there is no explicily stated implementation of parlimentary procedure in the constitution to say how to govern meetings. In the new constitution, it has been codified that Robert’s Rules of Order will be used. Furthermore, if the president steps down, there will be a new elec-tion process that will have to happen within three weeks of him leaving. If the vice president steps down, the president gets to appoint someone new. This is further explained in Sect. 7 of Article 7, Part A of the pro-posed constitution. Article 7, Sect. 7, Part C, dis-cusses the special election process for representative vacancies, though it does not describe what a special election is. For ratification of the proposed constitution, there is an explanation of the process according to the new document in Article 11 of the new constitution. The process remains largely the same as in the current constitution. As far as roles and responsibil-ites of executive officers go, the trea-

was restored, with the efforts of the international community, especially the US and USSR. Since then, there has been no major threat of war, only diplomatic and economic wrestling in that region. Now the USSR has fallen, and the USA is the sole superpower – peace and stability count on the work of this offshore balancer. China and India, even with fierce competition and antagonism, are less likely to fall into a major conflict with a strong offshore balancer such as the US.

surer’s role is more clearly outlined in the new constitution. The only position added is the communica-tions person. The duties and titles of all other positions will be the same. Akinola believes that in actuali-ty this document gives more author-ity to the representatives than the executive. “Representatives can create, or-ganize, and eliminate SGA bodies, officers, commissions, and com-mittees, and override a presidential veto,” Akinola said.

country with open arms. Most lo-cals I met were far friendlier than those I encountered at the embassy in Houston, and were delighted to have a Pakistani American in their country. Well, this place just sounds fan-tastic for me, why wouldn’t I want to live there? Having lived in the US for over 14 years, I realize we sometimes forget we take certain


MISSED

SEQUESTRATION

Hollerin’ at a Hullabaloo HottieI saw you wedged into the booth on the right-hand corner of the diner and couldn’t help but stare as you demolished a huge stack of pancakes and a plate full of biscuits and gravy in three bites. The mixture of syrup, butter and gravy streaming down your three chins rivaled any Pollock I’ve ever seen. I was too shy at the time to approach a fellow country cuisine aficionado with such a high caloric capacity BUT I’ll be at the same table next Saturday at 9:30 AM with plate of pancakes for eight and seats for two!

At the risk of sounding cliche...Searching for who very well could be my soulmate. You were sitting in the 41st club, listening to Now That’s What I can Music Volume 1 and wearing a “The Dude Abides” t-shirt. I overheard a brief conversa-tion you were having about an urban sombrero when I walked by. Would like to discuss imports and exports of latex and latex-related goods. Will be hanging out at Muldoon’s all week.

Continuing appropriations res-olutions have been passed so many times in the last half century that they have almost become standard. This kind of resolution is passed when Congress cannot agree on and pass a budget, so federal funds are given at a reduced level. The current resolution is set to expire on March

things for granted. As Americans we’re always complaining about one thing or another: it’s too hot, it’s too cold, the streets are too dirty, people can’t drive and it can go on and on. Well, let’s have a rundown of India. Most housing doesn’t come with central heating (hooray for being in India over winter break), the streets are always dirty, smog covers the city by 2 p.m., and if you think Americans are bad driv-ers, then au contraire! Traffic lanes and traffic signals are only a mild suggestion in India. Beyond first world issues, inequality of wom-en and the caste system certainly keeps me from wanting to relocate to India. Being in India with my peers, Dr. Kishore Gawande and Dr. Nirmal Goswami was an experi-ence I wouldn’t have been able to encounter on my own. Having the opportunity to visit Indian slums, meet with ranking Indian officials, and attend a small Bollywood film premiere set up for professionals only enhanced my international experience, which added to my personal and professional growth. Although India is a gorgeous country that, while paradoxical, I’d rather enter as a visitor than a resi-dent.

no one is winning. Tell them of our concern not just for our job secu-rity but for the growth of America at large. It seems cliché, but they are our representatives for a reason. We voted them in to listen to our re-quests and act in our best interests. How will they know what we want if we don’t call?

27, at which time either a new reso-lution will need to be passed and give Congress more time, or across the board cuts will be enforced – $85 billion, to be exact. Pink slips and furlough notices have already been handed out, but many will not see their jobs lost for what could be months. Because of this gradual loss of jobs, some ana-lysts try to imply that the majority of Americans will not feel the effects of sequestration. The problem is, all taxpayers will in fact feel the pressure seques-tration brings when taxes are forced to rise yet again to accommodate for the 1.25% drop in annual growth. In layman’s terms, sequestration will actually increase spending, not de-crease it. Hundreds of thousands of non-essential jobs will be cut, but the same amount of work will be ex-pected to be completed. For many agencies, this means they will have to hire the same people to do the same job as contractors – paying up to double what they would have paid just last year. Forget the fact – as hard as that may be for us second years – that the ability to get a federal job in this economy upon graduation just got harder; cutting “non-essential” jobs across the board leaves our borders less secure, the federal pocketbook emptier (if that’s even possible), and future generations to have to bear the burden for Congress’ inability to cooperate. One prescription is to do exactly what was implied at the beginning of this article: call your congress-men and congresswomen. Let them know that in a compromise, some win and some lose, but at this point



The back page

The Public Servant Staff Editor-in-Chief – Casi Buch

Copy Editor – Thomas BuchananGraphic Designer – Kehkashan Dadwani

Web Designer – John MellusiBlog Editor – Jessica Parker

Blog Designer – Ashleigh StebbinsSection Editors – Rachael Young, Courtney Burge,

Jeff Ostrich, Rebekah Redden, and Robby Smith

Hints:

1. Celia’s pet isn’t the parakeet..2. Alberta’s pet was bought in June..3. The bird bought in February isn’t the lovebird..4. The bird purchased in Grimes was bought 1 month before the bird purchased in Berkeley..5. The bird purchased in Berkeley was bought 2 months before the macaw..6. The parrot, Molly’s pet, the bird bought in April and the bird bought in March are all different birds..7. The bird bought in April is the parakeet..8. The bird purchased in Aurora isn’t the parakeet..9. Of the bird purchased in Sumner and Gladys’s pet, one is the macaw and the other was bought in June..

Check out the Bushwhacker Boogie during the flashmob for President Bush!

Documents

Public Servant March 2013