So, if there is a government shutdown, what does that mean for you? I know we’ve been told that the world will come to an end. Sigh. That was until the looming shutdown hit the back pages of the news cycle… until it becomes front and center once again soon.
Been There. Done That.
We’ve been there and done that. We’ve all survived. Remember the government shutdown of Christmastime, 2018, until after New Year’s, 2019? It was 35 days long. How did you cope?
Let’s remember that budget negotiations are an annual ritual. Some years, there’s added flair, like this year. The restrooms at National Parks could be closed. Maybe no trash pick up in the parks. Non-essential federal workers could be sent home. Their paychecks may stop. Again, how did you cope during the last shutdown?
The Real Issue Is…
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, and vice versa. The charge is that the other party spends too much. There is no agreement. It’s politics and strategizing until the parties come to a consensus.
And, the government doesn’t completely shut down, though the government slows down. For instance, you still get mail delivery. Your local school is open. The military is active, and veteran’s services remain available. In some cases, back pay is issued once the shutdown is over.
I wrote about coping strategies during that 35-day hiatus from the wheels of government going round and round. Here’s what I said then. (It still holds true today).
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?
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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