the longest furlough in the history of the u.s. was 21 days, but in that time all federally funded broadcasts (tv and radio) are going to be down, as well as most va hospitals and it's all pretty messed up. they still pay senators and congressmen, but veterans cant get health care because the federal government is sending 800k people home without pay for a week or two. the rich get richer and the poor go home and worry.
cutting federal spending is something that can be done in moderation, but cutting a soldier's salary should only be implemented if that percentage cut goes through all of the channels all the way to the top, including the secretary of the interior and sec of defense and also our union ceo. otherwise, i will always call it discriminatory and just plain wrong. the rich cant get less money, but the poor doesnt have money anyway so who cares.. a stupid yet true mantra.