The dreaded sequester—an across-the-board cut in government spending—is now underway. More and more Americans are feeling the effects. As part of this bludgeon approach to fiscal responsibility, the defense budget will be cut by almost 8%.

Do you think that’s a good or bad idea?

Over half of all Americans (61%) say they support a 5% across-the-board cut in government spending, according to a poll earlier this year by The Washington Post/ABC News. Republicans are strongly in favor, with more than three-quarters saying they support these cuts. A majority of Democrats (57%) feel the same way. But when it comes to slicing the military, a majority of Americans oppose the 8% cut.

In fact, only 24% of Americans say we should decrease military spending, according to a February poll by the Pew Research Center. Only 6% think we should cut veterans’ benefits. Fifty-three percent say we should increase these benefits.

If we don’t cut the military, where should we make cuts? Pew asked about 19 different areas, such as aid to the world’s needy, environmental protection, education, social security, food and drug inspection, natural disaster relief, and so on.

If poll results drove budget cuts, where should we make cuts? Where do a majority of Americans say they’d like to make reductions in government spending? Answer: none of the 19 areas. The closest to a majority (48%) think aid to the world’s needy should be cut.

In 18 areas, a majority of Americans says we should increase spending or keep spending at the same level. A large majority—60%—says that we should increase spending for education.

Reducing the size and scope of government seems like a good idea, but it’s an idea that loses steam once we have to get down to the gritty details of where to cut.

Do you support or oppose the mandatory 8% cut to defense spending?

Do you know someone directly affected by the sequester?

If we don’t cut the military, where should we cut?

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