As Americans ponder how cuts in federal employment affects us, we need to consider the other side of the issue.

What about the lives of the terminated government employees? They are not just numbers. They have families that are dependent on the wages they used to earn.

Another point I learned today from a letter to the editor in the Dallas Morning News is the impact on our veterans.

“Please be aware that 30% of the federal workforce consists of military veterans, and another 7% of the federal workforce consists of spouses of military personnel.”

Some questions to ask?

1. Is this any way to treat our veterans? These are the people who have fought to defend democracy around the world. Shame on the administration for dishonoring their service.
2. Will they be able to obtain new jobs?
3. What about workers in organizations with government contracts? Will they be fired?
4. Will the fired employees be faced with the choice between food and medicine?
5. Will they lose their homes and cars?

It’s time to stop just thinking about us and consider the wide-reaching impact on others.