Common-Sense Cuts to Avert a Government Shutdown

Sept. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Even before the mandatory across-the-board cuts in federal spending known as sequestration took effect March 1, President Barack Obama’s administration resorted to the Washington Monument Strategy, warning of reductions in the most popular and visible governmental services.

The term refers to the likelihood that in the face of any government shutdown or budget cuts, the National Park Service would shut the Washington Monument. The idea is to induce outraged would-be tourists to deluge their representatives and senators with complaints.