Government Shutdown: Different Perspectives | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Government Shutdown: Different Perspectives

How the record long government shutdown affects America

218
Government Shutdown: Different Perspectives

January 14th, 2018 marks a 24-day government shutdown period: the longest shutdown in American history. As a consequence, hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been burdened by this shutdown. Funding has been halted for many important federal agencies such as Homeland Security, Justice and State departments, and commerce.

Many workers are working without pay or are on forced unpaid leave. In result, federal workers are missing out on thousands of dollars worth of pay and the government is no closer to ending the shutdown than they were three weeks ago.

In the midst of all of this chaos, the question arises, is all of this really worth it for a wall? The shutdown originally occurred because an agreement could not be reached regarding funding for the border wall. While it may be arguable that a wall might prevent illegal immigration (even if it is to the smallest extent), is the burden that is currently upon federal workers worth the somewhat doubtful chance to halt illegal immigrants?

Many conservative media sources such as Fox News seem to support Trump's side on the matter. More than supporting Trump, they are also praising him. Conservative newscasters have been calling him a genius for 'trapping democrats' to make a more 'favorable' decision and even claiming that Trump's shutdown will have the end effect of saving lives once the wall goes up.

But as the government shutdown continues, the quality of life of the federal workers continues to deteriorate. More and more workers will lose their pay or even their jobs, and agencies that society depends on could halt functions hurting even more people. Here, another question poses itself, how long will it be until more are hurt than 'saved' by fighting for this wall?

According to a national opinion poll that ran in early January. it appears more of American adults blame Trump for the government shutdown before they blame Democrats. More liberal news sources such as New York Times and Wall Street Journal have hinted at opposition towards Trump's definition of a "national security crisis" and the implications his shutdown has had on federal workers.

In fact, Border Patrol Data shows that recent illegal border crossings have declined drastically over recent years. In 2000, we experienced over 1.6 million illegal crossings and now we have documented roughly 340 thousand. Even with the numbers so low, Trump seems to believe that a wall (worth an absurd 6 billion dollars) will solve this "national crisis". Democratic officials and news sources have debated with the president over the effectiveness of the wall.

There is no doubt that there are very opposing views regarding funding for the border wall. However, amidst all the conflict, society must take a step back and decide whether too many people are getting hurt by this shutdown. We must decide whether the well being of American citizens is disposable in comparison to funding a wall to potentially prevent illegal immigration. We must make a decision for the betterment of our country.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

79918
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

8380
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments