[John Rogers]

I hope this stays here as it is how you were/are affected personally by the actions of the president. Most people complain about the person in the white house but generally it is just because they don't like the party and have little affects. So the other night I was thinking of all the times I personally had been effected so here goes, please add yours if there are any.

1. When I graduated high school, 1963, I worked as a draftsman for the Delaware State Highway department and we got our funding from the federal government. The second year I was there (just before the US Navy) there was a federal budget stalemate so we at the state level got NO money, so we could stay home or work and get paid later. I chose the later.

2. In 1969 the president ordered the armed services to lower costs so advancements were cut to near zero. MM1s were allowed only 6, yes 6 for the whole navy. I was fortunate enough to be one of those.

3. In 1972 or so the cost cutting was on again so they started advancing you BUT you didn't get the new pay until later. I made E7 (MMC, chief) in November 1972 but didn't officially make it until May 1973.

4. About the same time federal money ran out and paydays were "adjusted" from twice a month 15th and 30th so.......the September 30th payday was moved to October 1st which is the NEW physical year! Since I was deployed I really never noticed it.

5. During the Iranian hostage crisis we were one of two shadow ships protecting the carrier USS Constellation but an order from the white house said were were NOT allowed to "shoot"!? Lucky for us our CO knew some folks at Subic Bay Naval Station and fenagled 4 mounts for 50 caliber M2 "ma duces" and loaned us the guns to put on them and a bunch of ammo. We had to put the mounts on after leaving Subic and remove them before we came back after we were done!

Those are just several and let us know of yours please.
John