Unless you've been living on Mars the past few weeks, you know that sequestration -- automatic, across-the-board spending cuts -- is likely to happen on Friday. You've heard all the sky-is-falling predictions from President Obama and the Democrats if it does happen, and the this-won't-be-so-terrible assurances from the Republicans.

The total dollar amount of cuts isn't that severe. The Wall Street Journal said the federal government ballooned discretionary domestic spending almost 30 percent since 2008. The amount to be cut is 0.5 percent of our nation's Gross Domestic Product. If our nation can absorb a 0.5 percent cut, it could be a first step to bringing expenses in line with revenue.

The problem really is the indiscriminate way this would happen with sequestration. We elect lawmakers to set spending priorities and manage our money. That sequestration wall was built to prod them into doing their jobs.

Instead of stopping short of the wall, though, both sides seem ready and willing to slam right into it. That's not the way to govern.