To the Editor:

Currently the federal government shutdown has not affected most Americans, but that may soon change. If it continues, the reduction in government services may soon affect most Americans.

Most impacted will be those in public services with economic instability among the federal workers who maintain all federal programs.

There may be lower consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of the U.S. economic activity. Also possible are stalled loan processing and food assistance programs, possible travel delays, damage to public lands, immigration processing backlogs, slower Social Security services, and reduced public health protection by the Food & Drug Administration on inspection of all food facilities.

These difficulties can be avoided if both sides in Congress meet soon and agree on a compromise solution. The choices are a sustainable economy and a measure of prosperity or a diminished American dream.

Robert Sweeney

Warwick