The looming sequester, which would slash spending across the government, was created by both parties, after the failure of the Grand Bargain, in 2011, as a purposely odious policy, in order to force the two sides to reach a more rational plan to reduce long-term deficits.

NEWYORKER: The House of Pain

We look to the predictors to tell us what to do, instead of relying on a rational plan based on our long and short-term objectives and goals.

FORBES: Separating Prediction From Fact