Government Shutdown will be Over Soon
As we near the end of the longest government shutdown in American history, we should examine how it happened. While both sides have been putting their spin on the issue, there are some hard facts that should be kept in mind.
Who Caused the Shutdown?
As can be expected, both sides blame the other, but the answer is in the facts. Republicans offered a “clean” Continuing Resolution (CR) bill that would have maintained the status quo in terms of government funding … kept the government functioning … and allowed for debate on critical issues. This has been the procedure several times in the past.
The CR was passed by House Republicans over the “no” votes of House Democrats. They were essentially voting for a shutdown. But since the GOP was in the majority – and the House does not have the filibuster or two-thirds vote requirement — the CR passed on a party line vote.
It then went to the Senate – which has the 60-vote rule. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer led his delegation in a “no” vote – although three Democrat senators voted with the Republicans in favor of the CR and against a shutdown. Schumer’s action seemed hypocritical since he had previously supported CRs and spoke at length in opposition to government shutdowns. It appeared that Schumer’s flip-flop was due to a fear that he would face primary opposition in 2028 from the radical left in his party. In other words, Schumer caused all the untoward outcomes of the government shutdown merely to save his seat. (Methinks it will not work).
More than half dozen times, the CR was put up for a vote in the Senate. Each time, Republican members and three Democrats voted in favor. And each time, Schumer produced the “no” votes – prolonging the shutdown and its hardships. More than any leader in Washington, Schumer caused the government shutdown. Had he followed his own past advice, there would be no shutdown. He zigged when he could have zagged.
Democrats lie
Repeatedly throughout the shutdown, Democrats and their media cronies said Republicans were responsible for the shutdown because they controlled the White House, the House and the Senate. But the GOP does not have full control of the Senate — or the CR would have passed long ago. The filibuster and 60-vote rule gave Democrats the leverage to block the CR and continue the shutdown – and that is exactly what they did.
The CR Versus Healthcare Legislation
Describing the CR as a “clean” bill meant that it only advanced current spending levels. There were not legislative changes on other issues. The CR gave no benefit to either side in terms of funding pet projects. But … that was until Democrats decided to use their leverage to try to incorporate specific legislative changes as a condition for supporting the CR– mostly dealing with healthcare. They were not negotiating, but making unacceptable demands.
Legislative issues are traditionally addressed and debated while the government is functioning, and Congress is in session. That is not the case during a government shutdown. In other words, Democrats were holding the country hostage in pursuit of their partisan demands.
Legislation on issues is best handled by traditional negotiations within Congress while the government is functioning. Attempting to use a shutdown as a vehicle of political blackmail will not work in the long run. Pennsylvania’s Democrat Senator John Fetterman is not only a vote for ending the shutdown, but he has also been outspoken in his criticism of his party for causing the shutdown. “We own it.” he said. It has been reported that other moderate Democrat senators are moving toward voting for the CR.
Polling Results
Democrats were buoyed by polling results that generally showed that the American people were inclined to blame President Trump and the GOP for the shutdown. The Democrats’ false fearmongering narratives were working. They saw public opinion on the issue as a campaign benefit in the November off-year election and the 2026 midterm elections. That is why they would not vote to end the shutdown until after this year’s off-year elections. In a candid moment, Schumer even said that “Every day [of the shutdown] gets better for us.”. And while polls still put the blame on the GOP, the margins are close and getting closer.
The End of the Shutdown
Democrats cannot allow the shutdown to go on for much longer. It is their base – federal workers, unions and welfare recipients — that is getting hurt the most. Already the largest federal employee union – the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) — has called on Senate Democrats to pass the CR – as has the Teamsters Union. Both the New York Times and the Washington Post have editorialized in favor of passing the CR.
There is only a couple of weeks between the off-year election and Thanksgiving. There is no way that Schumer and Senate Democrats can afford to allow the shutdown to impact on the Thanksgiving holiday and the traditional Christmas shopping frenzy of Black Friday.
The end of the government shutdown is near – and the odds favor Democrats caving. For all the anxiety and suffering they have caused the American people, they will have achieved nothing. The healthcare issue that Democrats feel so strongly about will still need to be negotiated – and ironically, it could have been being negotiated for the past several weeks if Democrats (Schumer) had not shut down the government. As with past government shutdowns, there is little ongoing damage – and the scars will heal quickly.
So, there ‘tis.
Larry, while you may be correct that the shutdown will soon be over, of course you are totally wrong when you discuss why the shutdown is caused by the Democrats. As you are (or should be) aware, as soon as the CR passes, the republicans can pass their budget with no democrats voting for it. The statement that republicans put out that “we’ll discuss the subsidy issue, but only after the government reopens” is fiction (can you say lying republicans? I know you won’t because you are a liar yourself and a Republican-ergo you lie). In 35 days there could have been lengthy negotiations with the democrats on this rather vital issue (at least for the poor folks who are going to see their medical insurance premiums skyrocket). Do republicans give a shit? The answer is a resounding no, they care neither about the poor whose insurance costs are increasing-nor do they care about the government officials who are not being paid. So while the shutdown has not been good, unfortunately this is the only leverage that democrats have on this issue, they failed to realize that republicans were such uncaring bastards that would rather bring pain to millions than even pretend to discuss the issue at hand…
Aha. We have another brain dead communist who loves to call names. Bring it on asshole.
Seth, Which of my comments do you disagree with, or do you just prefer to call names? Larry will never reply to me because he knows every word I wrote is correct…
Brain dead Seth sees commies all around him. A regular McCarthy he is. He couldn’t tell the difference tween a Russian commie, Chinese commie, or Cuban commie. Much less an American commie of which there are only 10,000 left. What a scaredy-cat to mislabel liberals as commies. That’s worse than when liberals call his sorry ass, fascist.
We need more McCarthy. It’s not communist governments. It’s the fucking democrats wanting to destroy our country and have our constitution broken down by activist judges. And about you liberals using the word “fascist “. Not at all. I’ve studied the definition of the word and it doesn’t fit with conservative thinking people. You fools can’t make a good argument on issues. People who want the borders secured? Fascism. People who want to be safe in their homes and cities? Fascism. People who believe that we are a nation of laws? Fascism. And of course there’s the “N” word that you people use quite frequently. Seriously. You people should stop using that word, especially in public. It’s offensive and wrong. Now go away and stay there.
“Conservative thinking people.” Now there’s an oxymoron issued by the ass-end of the word.
“Studied?” That’s rich. Name a communist policy supported by liberals. Do I hear jeopardy music? Crickets?
Well you got your more McCarthy and Hoover too. This guy shits all over you while you take the knee whining “please sir, cannot have some more.”
“Constitution broken down by activist judges,” is cute, but you can’t cite one example I bet. Just heard it on Newsmax or something.
Whipped your ass good last night; did you love it? We even got Trump to endorse Cuomo. That’s as funny as Little Marco working for him. Thought you had a chance in NJ hurling your filth up here. Get back Jack, you sucked double digit pond water.
Seriously, you are screwed for the midterms if you don’t change and learn to listen, learn to count. Just like Mandami better listen given a sex abusing scumbag democrat got close. Moderates still matter. You matter. Even if I think you suck, you matter. As do I.
And I am about as far away from being a communist as a capitalist can be. I’m still eating steak and eggs!
FYI: if Trump’s tarriffs go south, but Walmart, target, and Home Depot. They will be getting huge refund which will be pure profit. Just saying. Of course, don’t trust me, just scored kmb who then paid too much to acquire Tylenol. My bad, usually better at avoiding these asshats mucking with free markets. Good thing 5% dividends so far better than my Disney play. Made a killing on his putting the finger on pfe’s scale. Sold before their covid loss, and will pick up after. Yeah, commie for sure.
Dunger I don’t care about a hand full of elections. And I knew that prop 50 would win in California. It’s clear that the people in California, NY , NJ are idiots. I was a little surprised for Virginia. But you people are communists. It doesn’t take a ton of bricks to figure that out. But Trump is a true leader and you really should stop using the “N” word. I’ve read it in your comments. Now you should go away. Your opinion isn’t worth shit.
Seth .. was that Frank Danger? I thought he was giving up on me and PBP. Must be an imposter … or Frank is so obsessed he cannot even keep his promises to himself. LOL
Larry, interesting that you chose to respond to the commentary on your tome by belittling one of the readers rather than address any of the meaningful issues I raised (as I had already gone on record as saying to that ignoramus Seth). Of course after after trump got his ass handed to him on Tuesday, and the supremes asserted that tariffs are taxes on wednesday, it was going to difficult to spin your insane diatribe that the dems are responsible for the shutdown when republicans literally refuse to discuss the issues. Even your dumbest readers have got to start realizing that trump and his idiotic policies and clown car cabinet are toast….
Horist responded just exactly as I said he would. What a good little trained monkey!
I did exactly as I said I would if you fools did what I said you would.
Face it, you like it, you keep asking for more. It’s a douche bag’s delight.
Seth, I am glad you don’t care. I am really happy you can compartmentalize your beating. The races were across the land and I am not sure you won any. Although you seem a tad defensive and really weird about the “n” word you imagine I am using. Never have except in your mind, or lack thereof. If I am a communist, you are a fascist. The thought is just silly.
Truth is Democrats cleaned your clock in elections across the land including about a dozen mayoral races. We even won two PUC seats in Georgia, a first. Supreme seats in PA, two of them. PA was purple, looks fairly blue now. Bucks went blue, old money Bucks for heaven’s sake. And MS looks to be purple now. Heck, the AG in VA should have been run out of town for his stupid, inciteful texts, and he won!
You feel my opinion isn’t worth shit. And if your party acts like you and doesn’t care about these elections, and more importantly, what they mean, GREAT. Like I have been saying: TWO MORE YEARS. Except now it’s ONE MORE YEAR and all indications are that you will lose the House, you will lose the Senate. Apparently the only mandate your Felon King has is his cabinet coming to bend a knee and not in a good way. They suck for sure. My only question is how much more damage can you fools do in a year?
Ya poked the bear, the bear is back, the bear is angry, it’s an angry snowflake bear. Buckle up, buttercup. Tis winter and things may calm down again, but in the Spring, oh my…. And, oh yeah, unlike you, I value your opinion. Too bad you can’t back it up with facts. You say I am a communist: prove it or STFU.
As I said, but you pussied out on an answer: ““Studied?” That’s rich. Name a communist policy supported by liberals. Do I hear jeopardy music? Crickets?”
As I said, but you couldn’t raise a response: ““Constitution broken down by activist judges,” is cute, but you can’t cite one example I bet.” Well, pay up sucker.
You can’t muster a response, much less a cogent argument or even support your stupid statements. Weak tea from a weakling. You got whupped last night and you run and hide from your own truth like a little girl terrified by Halloween night. Come on, respond to the questions, respond to the topic. All you have is your little boy cat calls. Sigh.
Yes Dunger. The democrats kicked our ass. I t happens. Many times in my life my candidates didn’t win. But no democrats will Ever win with my votes. Now about the “N”word. Have you ever referred to us proud Trump supporters as Nazi? Say yes or no. I know the truth. Oh I forgot. Republicans did win in some state races. Like parts of New York. About communism? Your party stinks of Marxism. The new mayor of NYC reeks like a fucking socialist asshole. But not to worry. Millions of us will refuse to be governed by leftist. Said it before. Said it again. But Trump is our president for three more years and I seriously doubt if the democrats can produce a viable candidate. Who??? The token ho again. Newsome can fool the idiots in California but not enough nationwide to win the electoral college. And California and New York and possibly New Jersey will implode. Maybe Virginia will too. But know this. A country boy can survive. Just ask Hank Jr.
I can’t remember calling Republicans NAZI’s; I am sure you can enlighten us and restore my memory. Usually, I speak to actions, not people when tossing those types of names, but NAZI seems a stretch unless warranted. For example, there were certainly NAZIs in the 1/6/2021 attempted takeover of Congress. While disavowing NAZI’s in 2023, the Proud Boys are NAZIs or NAZI hate group supporters often teaming up for events. The Oath Keepers, less so, but they too like to hang with NAZIs at events. Three Percenters similar although they coordinate regularly with NAZIs. If you review tapes of the Republican Insurrection Movement (RIM job), of that day, you can see NAZI symbols all over the Republican protest.
At the Republican event on 1/6/2021, Robert Keith Packer was photographed wearing a black sweatshirt with a skull-and-crossbones graphic, the words “Camp Auschwitz,” and the phrase “Work Brings Freedom,” a translation of the motto (Arbeit macht frei) over the gates of the Nazi concentration camp. He was also wearing an “SS” T-shirt underneath, a reference to the Nazi paramilitary organization.
Another rioter wore a T-shirt with the acronym “6MWE,” which stands for “6 Million Wasn’t Enough” in far-right and white nationalist circles, referring to the number of Jews murdered during the Holocaust. That sounds pretty NAZI to me, although I am sure you like it.
Matthew Beddingfield, was seen on video footage giving a Nazi salute and was later found to have praised Adolf Hitler and sent racist messages. I think Josh Hawley may have saluted him too.
:
Stickers from neo-Nazi groups like the Nationalist Social Club (NSC), which uses a Nazi symbol in its name, were reportedly posted on Capitol Police equipment. Some individuals displayed symbols from Norse mythology, which have been co-opted by white supremacists and trace back to Nazi ideology.
And then there’s the gallows. The gallows erected outside the Capitol was a reference to “the day of the rope,” a scenario from The Turner Diaries (a novel considered a bible of the white nationalism movement) that depicts mass lynching’s and the subsequent slaughter of Jews.
Tis your party, was one hell of a party on 1/6, and you guys were displaying NAZI-ism all over the place.
If I mentioned it there, I stand uncorrected.
FYI: I’m a country boy too, the original stardust cowboy. As to you Democratic picks for President; think you are a tad early son. No picks here. But for 2026 midterms, I pick Democrats and now, Democratic Socialists although I think they need a name change. But communists? Your hyperbolic fear of liberalism makes you a whiner. You show me any Democratic communist policy. Or better yet, explain your difference tween a Democrat, a communist, and a socialist? I am betting even as you look it up, you won’t get it right. And can you pick a Democratic Communistic policy? Nope, you will suck pondwater there too. From the muddy bottom where you feed.
FYI: still waiting:
“As I said, but you pussied out on an answer: ““Studied?” That’s rich. Name a communist policy supported by liberals. Do I hear jeopardy music? Crickets?”
As I said, but you couldn’t raise a response: ““Constitution broken down by activist judges,” is cute, but you can’t cite one example I bet.” Well, pay up sucker.
You can’t muster a response, much less a cogent argument or even support your stupid statements. Weak tea from a weakling. You got whupped last night and you run and hide from your own truth like a little girl terrified by Halloween night. Come on, respond to the questions, respond to the topic. All you have is your little boy cat calls. Sigh.”
Keep those puerile grade school rants coming.
The commiecrats have proven to believe that the constitution is a living document subject to change. I prefer original interpretations. Just the fact that you idiots want open borders is telling. You won’t admit it but the belief is that we should own very little and that most properties should belong to the government. Don’t bother. I know what I’m talking about. The asshole who proved how ignorant the people are in New York is living proof. Free bus rides? Government owned businesses? Is on record of opposing the police. And yes Dunger. You have called us Nazis even though the greatest majority of us have never met a Nazi. To my knowledge I never had. But I’m going out on a limb and invite anyone who has knowledge of Dunger calling Trump supporters Nazis to chime in and say so. How about the editors of this site? Call me a Nazi? Anyone who wishes to should call me that to my face. I would make them prove in court that I’m a Nazi. Any takers? To sum it up it’s the democrats who mostly don’t like personal freedoms. Sounds fascist to me