Unfortunately, many really stupid people hold public office. Some may be book smart; some may speak well; some may sound like they know what they are speaking about; they just do not understand economics, public policy and the public good. This comment seeks not to defend certain political views but extreme views couple with ignorance and/or opportunism/ self-interest deserves punishment at the polls.

Admittedly, I don't know the details of what happens during a shutdown. Do those responsible also lose their wages and benefits during this time? If not, it might inspire them to do their jobs.

If a bunch of thugs broke into your house and wanted to steal something, I don't think you will get very far if you ask them why we can't all get along. Not much different a situation here.

Interestingly, members of Congress still get paid during the shut-down. I wonder how much different things would be if they didn't. . .

This certainly is a shameful day for our country, and especially those of us who voted these incompetent, childish people into office. If in my professional career I performed as they are I would have been fired, with no questions asked. These folks can laugh and joke about the situation and still get a paycheck and benefits! While I truly love our country, and have served it in many capacities, I am ashamed and embarrassed.

I agree with Corey. We expect our leaders to work for the greater good. To find a common ground. Right now I see a bunch of babies that our saying "my way or the highway"

On a different note, if you loo at most laws, rules or regulations implemented by the Federal Government, they apply to everyone, BUT the Federal Government.

I find it very interesting that as of 12:08pm, the stock market is up 60 points. The same thing happened after the sequester kicked in. Hmmm...

I understand the sentiment of blaming individuals who currently run the government, but to be fair, it doesn't start there. A representative government is inevitably going to be reflective of its people.

I have referred before to our society being the "Age of Entitlement." I believe the advent of social media has allowed us to speak to silence and allowed our culture to become too firmly rooted in their own beliefs and ideas. Too many believe that they are entitled to their set of beliefs and anything that waivers from that is not just wrong, but an abject injustice. That is why we have become so comfortable in demonizing our political opponents (and some times our political friends) and not only accepting an "Ends justify the means" mentality, but even embracing it.

If you really think about the definition of ignorance...what could be more ignorant than believing that those who have philosophical differences with you are ignorant. Yet that's what you get from the radical left and right these days, preventing compromise.

Will there be another Monica?

Yes, Fred is referring to the fact that Clinton and Monica were thrown together during the last shutdown in the 90s, when the interns took the place of regular WH staff. This is an interesting side note.

I was one the the workers furloughed in the 1995 shutdown. I ultimately got paid, and the work I didn't do while I was home got done when I returned. However, it wasn't clear at the time if and when we would go back to work or if we would be paid for the work we would still have to do. I was lucky because I was not living paycheck to paycheck. That was not th case for everyone. Many more lives are affected by this than people realize and since government workers are routinely vilified as faceless, lazy, bureaucrats many including the political hacks who created this mess, couldn't care less about them or the folks around the country who depend on the services they provide. I personally am saddened by the shutdown and the lack of outrage.

I vote for furlough for all of congress and staff! Plus a suspension of healthcare subsidy for the same group.
I know people in congress will not miss their paychecks, but their staff will. Having grumpy staff members will motivate our congressman and woman to get this budget approved.