take a look at this. i think we ve seen the impact of the sequester already. today s numbers, and other indicators coming in, show us the resilience of the u.s. economy. i think if it weren t for the sequester, the economy would be in even a stronger position. sir, what s your take on that? is really the rubber going to hit the road perhaps this month or in the summer months, where the effect is really going to be felt? well, alan kruger is correct in as much as the sequester is just beginning to take hold and that is undoubtedly a drag on the economy. we don t know and won t know how big a drag on the economy, but the sequester combined with the rise in payroll taxes that is the end of the payroll tax holiday in january, means that consumers and overall demand in the economy not nearly what it would be otherwise. in other words, if government simply got out of the way, did not cut the budget deficit, did not raise taxes, this economy would be stronger right now, undoubtedly. m