Here we go again! It seems like every time the legislature is faced with pressing financial issues like balancing the budget and keeping crucial services supported by taxpayer dollars available and running like a well-oiled machine, there is ultimately some delay. Differences of opinion and political convictions are expected and understandable when debate is in progress. However, inabilities to reach reasonable compromise when smooth government function is at stake is another matter. Democrats and Republicans must come together and solve this shutdown very soon. The deadline is 12 midnite tonight.
The following is an excerpt from an article written ten years ago on October 1, 2013 when a government shut down was threatened during the Obama administration. It was successfully averted.
“It’s after midnight, an hour and a half past, to be exact. I am filled with deep disappointment and disgust about the behavior of some members of our Republican Congress and the
poor example they are setting for future leaders, our country in general and world allies, many of whom must be gaping in disbelief, if not quietly embarrassed. Of course, they would never openly express this to the US. Then there are probably those—our enemies—who may undoubtedly be quietly thrilled if not amused to learn of the superpower’s dysfunction and inability to prevent their own government from shutting down. The question which keeps reverberating through my mind is, “what could these elected representatives be thinking and why could they not find a more reasonable and constructive way of resolving the matter? Why this constant display of brinksmanship and political derring-do?”
I am joining with Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia in praying for a resolution to this crisis. There are many people’s sources of monthly income at stake, funding of crucial government programs that will come to a halt and services that will shut down. Yes. My prayers are with our country, our Congress and specific requests for a fair and reasonable solution to this matter.
