As autumn arrives, the looming October 1, 2025 deadline forces every American to confront what a federal shutdown truly means for daily life.”
As autumn arrives, it is time for us to discuss the impending government shutdown and its impact on daily life. This is a civics and citizenship issue, so let’s discuss. What if there is a government shutdown? What does that mean for you? I know we’ve been told before that the world will come to an end. Sigh. That is, until the looming shutdown hits the back pages of the news cycle, until it becomes front and center once again.
What a Shutdown Means for You
Remember, we’ve been there and done that. We’ve all survived. Do you remember the government shutdown that lasted from Christmas 2018 to after New Year’s 2019? Maybe not. It was 35 days long. How did you cope?
Please remember that budget negotiations are an annual ritual. Some years, there’s added flair. The restrooms at National Parks could be closed. There may be no trash pickup in the national parks. Non-essential federal workers could be sent home. Their paychecks may stop. Again, how did you cope during the last shutdown?
What Is at Stake
Keep in mind what is behind a government shutdown. There’s the proverbial argument between the two major parties. One claims the other doesn’t spend enough. The charge from the other party is that the opposition spends too much. There is no agreement. It’s a matter of politics and strategizing until the parties reach a consensus. Rewind: Politics is a game of strategy. Your best interests are not always at the forefront of discussions, although a common political strategy is to convince you that Congress is acting in your best interests. You must remain well-informed on both sides of the issue to discern what is really going on. Is it really a battle for your vote? For your best interests? For money and power? Or is Congress working to do what is best for us and our posterity?
How Government Services are Affected
Also notable is that the national government doesn’t completely shut down, although it slows down. For instance, you still get mail delivery. Your local school is open. The military remains active, and veterans’ services continue to be available. In some cases, back pay is issued once the shutdown is over.
Although the wheels of government turn slowly, they still turn. But as a free people, we ought to fix the more profound issue–too much dependence upon big government. As free-born people, shouldn’t we strive for a smaller government with less overhead and more independence to safeguard our freedoms?
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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