As our dysfunctional Congress lurches toward the dreaded "sequester"—across-the-board spending cuts that take effect in lieu of a deficit reduction agreement—we shudder to think of its effect upon our fragile, possibly recovering local economy.

To be sure, some political watchers welcome its arrival, saying such drastic cuts are the only way to fix the national debt and deficit. We liken this "cure" to the drastic last steps of cutting off arms and legs for a patient to get well. Better for the moment, perhaps, but with permanent impairments.

A majority of Virginia’s Congressional delegation, Republicans and Democrats alike, in view of the state’s heavy dependence on federal jobs and contracts, has sent the following letter to President Obama, Speaker Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Reid:

"As a bipartisan delegation of Virginia lawmakers representing wide-ranging interests and viewpoints, we write to show unified support for immediate action ...