re: #236 Decatur Deb

“Non-essential” (not even the actual current term) has a strong element of immediacy. A fire-fighting team is essential today. Workers in the fire service logistics chain are essential two fires from now. Over decades in the DoD i saw repeated cuts that long since eliminated any positions that could be spared for the long haul.

“Essential” as in positions whose loss would cost more than it takes to maintain them.