September 30, 2025: The Government Shut Down and the People

Voices of Reason co-hosts Apollo and Barbara welcomed two amazing guests to join us in a discussion of the impending federal government shut down and what it means to people, particularly to those of us treading water, just trying to stay alive, pay the bills, and find some joy.

Rose Weiser, a Savannah tourist industry worker, talked to us about the sub-minimum wage that is permitted by both state and federal government.  The federal minimum for those who receive tips in addition to their wage is $2.13/hour, one-third of the minimum wage for the rest of us of $7.25/hear, and significantly below the living wage in Savannah of $23.29 for one adult and up to $58.84 for one adult with three children.   At $2.13/hour, working 40 hours brings home $85.20 before taxes, or $341.80/month, or less than one-third of the average Savannah rental.   These are the working poor who rely on subsidized housing, government nutrition programs and Medicaid, all being proposed for cuts in 2026, if and when a budget is passed.  Are you angry yet?

Our second guest, Pat Longstreth is a videographer who is bringing the Hindsight Film Festival to Savannah in March, 2026, that will screen documentary films from around the world that explore little known events and people who have significantly influenced the course of history.  Pat will offer Savannah a special screening of his documentary, The Day Iceland Stood Still, on Friday, October 10 at 7 pm at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center.  More about this film can be found at https://www.thedayicelandstoodstill.com.  

From different backgrounds, ages, and perspectives, we had an incredible discussion about what we don't know but should in order to make our way in the world and make the world a more humane place for all living things.