US Government Shutdown

[papa_smurf73]

I normally don't speak my mind about politics.... but... Found out today that my Dad is affected by this. It pains me to know that my father served in our military and retired as a master sergeant. He spent 2 years in Iraq (one for desert storm), and the other as part of his duty in the military. He's more than put his life on the line for our country, but the moment he comes back to civilian life, and things are somewhat starting to level out for him, he's laid off. WTF... Our government is acting like a bunch of children who aren't getting their way. Of course, my Dad is only one of thousands affected by this, and I'm just as upset about everyone else's situation, but this just sends me over the edge.

Not to mention, a friend of mine casually, and ignorantly says, "I'm glad the govt. is shutting down non-essential functions." Frustrates me to no end.

When I told my dad how I felt about everything that's happening, his response was simply, "write your congressman, and make sure you vote". Humbling, and makes me sad at the same time. I hope this ends sooner than later so that everyone affected by this can return to some level of normalcy.

If you're reading this and you're personally affected by what is happening, "Thank you for your service, and you're in my thoughts for sure."

Sorry for the rant.

[Luke795]

Originally Posted by nameless

"Sorry Folks the governments Closed. The moose outside should have told you"

That made me laugh.

[Redeemer]

Shots just fired at the capital
watching MSNBC right now.
And there saying there is a car chase???

[Sofistocat]

Originally Posted by Redeemer

Shots just fired at the capital
watching MSNBC right now.
And there saying there is a car chase???

Supposedly towards the HOR side of the capitol bldg. Sounds like a democrat fired a shot across the GOP bow...

[plastroncafe]

Originally Posted by Jester

No one really knows how long it's gonna stay shuttered. If neither side can concede, then it may be a long time.

There's nothing to concede, is the problem.
The GOP is trying to overturn three year old legislation with a budget extension.

[BubblyShell22]

Yep, just heard about the whole Capitol shots thing. Turns out the police were shooting at a woman who tried to run them down and even injured a Capitol police officer. Not sure if she was doing this in protest of the shutdown or what was going on.

[Redeemer]

Originally Posted by plastroncafe

There's nothing to concede, is the problem.
The GOP is trying to overturn three year old legislation with a budget extension.

Yep sounds about right. ughh hopefully they will be able to get the spending bill passed.

[Barkworm]

One of the most reputable German newspapers had "USA in the hand of extremists" as their major headline this Tuesday. Seems sensational but also sums up the situation pretty well.

[Crabfight]

Originally Posted by papa_smurf73

Not to mention, a friend of mine casually, and ignorantly says, "I'm glad the govt. is shutting down non-essential functions." Frustrates me to no end.

This. And it's coming from our flippin'* media sources! One such news outlet was discussing how life seems to be running normally since the shut down and even went as far as to suggest the possibility that the amount of "nonessential" jobs contributed to the shutdown.

The notion that there are any Americans at all that aren't furious about this boggles my mind. These are people's livelihoods that are being messed* with, for pete's* sake! This thing HAS to be settled by October 17th or poop'll* really hit the fan, and though I'm certain that it WILL be resolved by then, it is ridiculous how close to that date our representatives are willing to let it get.

*It was very difficult for me to use these words. I had others in mind.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

So what exactly caused the government to be shut down?

Is it something to do with money, or is it political matters?

[愛]

Congress needs to set a budget for the year by October 1st (the beginning of the fiscal year for the government?) or else they have to shut it all down. Guess which one happened?

[Sofistocat]

Originally Posted by 愛

Congress needs to set a budget for the year by October 1st (the beginning of the fiscal year for the government?) or else they have to shut it all down. Guess which one happened?

It's sad that a Japanese dromer knows the real answer to this and 9/10 americans, when asked, would probably say it's over Obamacare.

Let's hear it for Japanese intellect! Japan, one of the many places I'm considering when I renounce my US citizenship...

[愛]

I'm from New Jersey. LOL

[plastroncafe]

9/10 of Americans would be right, this is because of Obamacare.
The budget extension sent from the GOP controlled House of Representatives to the Democratic controlled Senate had language added to it that would push back the implementation of the ACA.

But by all means, renounce that citizenship.

[Sofistocat]

Originally Posted by 愛

I'm from New Jersey. LOL

+1

Originally Posted by plastroncafe

9/10 of Americans would be right, this is because of Obamacare.
The budget extension sent from the GOP controlled House of Representatives to the Democratic controlled Senate had language added to it that would push back the implementation of the ACA.

But by all means, renounce that citizenship.

I feel 愛's response was the the correct response, Obamacare is just the catalyst for the posturing. Dem's knew this was going to happen. Just another prime example our legislative/electoral process could benefit from change...

Regardless, Obamacare is a law passed in 2009. If the standard political process has resorted to waiting until there are enough members of your party to think you can make a stink years after the fact, then so be it. I don't agree with Obamacare, but have no choice to accept it's a legislative fact.

Maybe if the GOP had practiced better politics back when ACA was on the floor of congress, they wouldn't be where they are now. They didn't, blame Bush for the dem's takeover of Congress instead of themselves and this is we we are today. This country has become quite comfortable living beyond it's means. Giving out more than you take in = failure any way you look at it...

[plastroncafe]

The Failure of the American system as I see it is the collective acceptance of a world in which "I've got mine, screw you!" is considered to be sound public policy.

愛's response is correct, and succinct, but it also lacks reference to those responsible for our current Government Shutdown, which I think does the conversation as a whole a disservice.

The fact remains that by your estimation 9/10 Americans are still right, and that this shut down is due to the ACA.

I know you may be against the ACA, but if you're not currently insured, you should really consider checking out the marketplace. That way should, god forbid, something catastrophic happen to you health wise....you won't need to rely on your fellow tax payer to cover your costs.

[愛]

I'm not part of the conversation, because I can't form a good opinion on all of this. I was just trying to tell him why it's shut down.

[Sofistocat]

Originally Posted by 愛

I'm not part of the conversation, because I can't form a good opinion on all of this. I was just trying to tell him why it's shut down.

No worries, we know...

---

I agree with you plastron, to the T. I have worked very hard at my career for over 10 years and have what some consider "Cadillac" heath care. I very much can relate to the "got mine, screw you", despite being very much against it and truely believing helping your fellow man is why we are here. This whole "let's put everybody into one social class by providing for those who can't make it there on their own accord" idea is absurd to me. It used to be called "earning" a living, not "expecting" a living.

I see your point in ACA's responsibility for the shutdown, but want people to not be bogged down by it all. Yes it's responsible, but I feel ALOT of people are looking at that solely and not all the other things that had a part in this. Ultimately I want taxpayer to see this as a wake up call the next time they pass by their voting office on November 4th and don't stop.

As far as the "Marketplace" goes, I really think it's a disservice that the gov't is helping facilitate a for-profit industry that is truely the most responsible party for this mess.

This statement is pointed at nobody:

If you can surf the Marketplace for free/affordable insurance in lieu of looking for a better job, or a job at all, you may want to reevaluate your priorities to not include the sense of entitlement that many US residents(legal/un-documented) have happily acclimated to. Working for you, your family and what you believe in is a notion being grossly discarded in today's society.

[Katie]

Not every job out there offers insurance. Even "good jobs" sometimes don't offer it.

Not everyone can get approved for insurance because of those pre-existing health conditions. not all pre-existing health conditions are something a person can plan for. (Think being born with cerebral palsy....having multiple sclerosis.....being diagnosed with cancer)

If you do get insurance and you have or have had a major illness you may not be able to afford what you are offered.

Don't assume that someone is lazy if they are having to research to find an affordable policy. Don't assume that everyone who doesn't have insurance is in a low level job.

[Jester]

Yeah, the Preexisting Conditions bit is probably the best part of the bill...considering even things like medication controlled depression count as a "preexisting condition."

And just because your employer has health insurance doesn't mean it's GOOD insurance. I have insurance through my job (mainly for my wife, as I'm fairly healthy and she needs her 2 to 3 visits a year if only to check the dosage of her meds.) that's over 1/3 of my pay...and it covers nearly nothing. So when open enrollment was available we looked at getting it outside my job (from the same company even) and were denied because of the depression. We are definitely gonna look into finding cheaper insurance outside of work now that the major hurdle is gone.