38/365 ‘Sequester,’ It’s not Just for Juries Anymore

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As a newly minted Coloradan, I’ve been taking great joy and great pride in living as close as I ever have to a National Park. So, when the local rag ran this story about the National Park Service announcing the cuts it would have to make if the sequester I’ve been hearing so much about came to fruition, I decided it was time to figure out why keeping a jury out of the public eye was going to cut short my hiking prospects.

Research completed, I thought it might be helpful to post here for other folks who want to figure this stuff out in 20 minutes or less.

The bulk of the basics can be accomplished with the first two pieces below. If you’ve other links to resources for a non-econ primer on the looming fiscal oblivion, please post them in the comments below.

Artifact 1: The “Deficit and Debt Ceiling” According to Khan

Though a bit old, this is a great start to understanding not only the debt ceiling, but debt and deficit in general. Oh, Sal, is there anything you can’t explain?

Artifact 2: Planet Money Presents Fiscal-Cliff Jargon

If Planet Money had existed when I was high school, it’s likely I would have actually finished that AP econ class I was taking via delayed satellite broadcast. This simple story takes you through the terms and big ideas in a simple < 5 min. bite. MMMMMM… Information is tasty.

Artifact 3: This Memo from a Law Firm in …Arizona?

If you’ve a few more than 20 minutes, you should check out this memo from a D.C. law firm posted by the Arizona Department of Education explaining the nuance of the sequester as well as how and which programs would be affected if it kicks in.