[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Lotus

I perfectly understand your equal protection argument. You may apply "equal protection" when government workers take equal personal risk on behalf of those who are served. On this basis I would find it immoral if the government had shut down, depriving government workers of wages, while members of Congress continued to draw paychecks.

But military and nonmilitary workers do not take equal risks. Risks have to be balanced with rewards. Therefore the equal protection argument is nullified. Besides, there is an issue of compassion. Military families already have to worry about whether Daddy will come home; to deprive them of their wages in such a situation is just downright mean-spirited.

I am a government worker with a non-military job. I would have no problem if the government shut down, depriving me of wages, but the military still got paid. I don't take the risks that others do so I shouldn't be entitled to the same rewards.

This. Very good post.