Shutdown 2011: Really??

So we are all aware of the Fed shutdown looming upon us in about 75 minutes.  But is there really anything to be afraid of?  Let's look at the effects, in terms we all understand:

Benefits Package

• SSI - Benefits are still being paid.  In the process of applying?  It may take a few days longer.  Patience is a virtue.  And they already apparently have a huge backlog, anyway.  So you still have to wait in line. 
• Medicare - Benefits are still being paid.  Thank goodness for trust funds, I guess...
• NIH - the National Institute of Health won't be beginning any new clinical trials.  I'm not sure that's a bad thing, according to what I've heard about some trials.  They also won't be taking any new patients for a few days. 
• Welfare - Your benefits were already approved through September.  And I'm pretty sure the government will un-shutdown before then.

Money Matters

• IRS - If you haven't filed your tax return yet, shame on you.  W2s have been out since Jan 31.  Refunds are being delayed.  But, of course, if you owe, they will gladly accept and take your check.
• Mortgages - The Federal Housing Administration will not be issuing new mortgages right now. 
• Food Stamps - No need to worry until May.  You've already received your April benefits. 
• Banks - The FDIC insures all depositors up to a certain amount.  Uncle Sam's taking care of your money.  No need to hoard your cash underneath your mattress.  Yet.   

Miscellaneous

• Passports - This one's unclear.  Issuance of passports and/or visas could be delayed.  Or stopped.  But they don't know yet. 
• USPS - The postal service will continue to run as normal. 
• Military - They still earn money.  The receipt of their paychecks might be delayed...

The People who Refuse to Agree

• As far as I know, the members of Congress will still be receiving their full paychecks.  On time.  Do you see anything wrong with this picture?  The men and women overseas fighting in a war they didn't start may not be paid on time, but the people responsible for this "shutdown" will.  Priorities, anyone?

There are several other federal activities being minorly affected by this discord, but Congress will be paid.  How many incumbents do you foresee taking office again after this term?

Budget, Shmudget

As I write this, our entire country is sitting on the edge of their recliners and sectional sofas, counting down to the government shutdown that could happen at the end of this week, should the Republicans and Democrats not reach an agreement on how we should stop spending because we need money.

Earlier this week I read about presidential campaign fundraising goals for 2011.  Some of the projected goals top a million dollars.  If these guys (and gals) are so eager to raise funds for promoting their personal agendas, then maybe we should give them an offering plate to start passing around on behalf of the Federal Budget as well.  Can you imagine the silence in the chambers of Congress if they all were staring at the plate looming before their eyes, dreading its arrival?  What if we were to shave a mere $10,000 from the salaries of each Representative, and $15,000 from each Senator?  Let's see...that would total to...$4,350,000 from the House, and...$1,500,000 from the Senate.  There are almost 309 million residents in the US right now.  What if we each gave $10?  If my math is correct, then that would total to over 3 billion dollars.  How much money are we trying to raise/save/stop spending again?  That'd be a pretty good start.  And then we could stop all new dog park construction for the year (I have nothing against dog parks.  I just believe that they shouldn't be priority in a year of economic crisis).  And what about the refurbishments throughout the corrections department of each state?  Do our prisoners really need new refrigerators right now?  Seeing things like these listed on my state's budget make me question the seriousness of our nation's crisis...or at least question the methods being used to "fix" it.

I don't claim to be perfect, or to have all the answers.  But with a little common sense and a fair amount of intelligence, I don't think our budget problem would be that difficult to solve.  How would you modify the federal budget to cover the deficit?