Sequester Madness, Firemen First

The damned Sequester is a grand example of Republican cruelty (similar to Thatcher the Milk Snatcher). It's disturbing that the Democrats yet again roll over and play dead on this issue, but that's a topic for another day. However some have been wondering about why they've allowed exceptions, for example in relieving air travel. James Fallows, of the Atlantic, linked to this story which explains that this is a technique used by legislators who are against budget cuts - they make it clear that "budgets" actually fund important thiings. According to the article, from 1976!, this is known as the "Firemen First" gambit.