As of Jan. 10, there has been a partial government shutdown, or what should really be described as a gap in government funding, since most activities are not actually shutdown and the duties of essential government go forward, lasting 20 days. A great deal of noise is being made over this gap of funding because the legislative branch and executive branch can't come to an agreement on funding of projects to fill this gap.
Here's the thing, according to the New York Times, this isn't the longest "shutdown" nor is this an infrequent tactic used by politicians to get an agreement on something they want. A longer "shutdown" happened under President Bill Clinton, which "shutdown" more government than the current. The third longest "shutdown" came under President Jimmy Carter back in 1978 and it lasted 17 days.
Many people want to blame President Trump for the current gap in funding and many people want to blame Congress but really blame needs to be placed on everyone. The president gets blame for wanting to secure the border and keeping a promise to the country and Congress gets blame because they don't want to fund it. Spending bills originate in the House so it's up to Congress to "reopen" the government. The parties need to negotiate but that means both sides need to come to the table ready and willing to give and the new Democrat speaker came to the latest meeting with a simple no, which forced the president to leave. If the wall can stop or even slow the entry of illegal immigrants and. the flow of illegal drugs into our country, won't it pay for itself? The cost of treating injured border agents, who are attacked by those crossing the border, alone is worth the price.
Kenneth Toole
Baxter
