You Should Be Mad About The Government Shutdown | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

We Aren't Mad Enough About The Government Shutdown And I Can't Help But To Ask, Why?

Just because you think it doesn't affect your everyday life, doesn't mean it shouldn't piss you off.

199
We Aren't Mad Enough About The Government Shutdown And I Can't Help But To Ask, Why?

It's now been 34 days since the government shut down — 34.

At this point, it's as if there's a glitch in the simulation that is the United States under Trump's reign.

In case you're not informed on what the government shutting down technically is, let me explain.

So, whenever Congress fails or refuses to pass enough appropriation bills or continue to fund federal government operations and agencies, or when the President refuses to sign such bills or resolutions into law, the government literally closes and shuts down.

In this case, president Donald Trump announced the government would stay closed until Congress agreed on funding his proposal for the border wall.

So yes, 800,000 people (federal government employees) haven't been paid in 34 days. For a wall.

Trump cut off funding for almost a quarter of the government and has no intention of reissuing it until he gets what he wants.

Now, let's talk about everything that's being affected by this.

Over 80 official (.gov) websites haven't had their security certificates renewed. Among them are the U.S. Department of Justice, the Court of Appeals, and NASA.

Trump even offered the 8,500 Coast Guard civilian employees (who, by the way, aren't getting paid or funded either) a "tip sheet" on ways to get through the shutdown, which didn't really give any relief at all, only a glorified "how to survive unemployment for dummies" sheet.

Now, this one really affects everyone. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cut out all nonessential work- basically not inspecting food anymore and only prioritizing (checking) "high-risk foods" like cheese and seafood.

Even the FDA Commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, told NBC News that business isn't the same as it would normally be; so, watch what you may be putting into your body during this time.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may be one of the most crucial government-funded agencies and since they have been going without pay, most have been calling in sick or simply quitting for good, according to CNN. It's a record-setting new low for flight traffic controllers to handle flights in and out of airports.

Our National Parks are even at risk, with seven lives lost to long wait times for emergencies due to the understaffed parks during the shutdown. People are even taking advantage of the alarmingly small number of park rangers and talking to the parks to cut down trees and set up illegal campsites.

Another one that affects basically everyone, is the fact that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has postponed all hurricane prep for the upcoming year. Ultimately, delaying year-long preparations for the following year, which considering the catastrophic hurricane season we had this year, is undeniably alarming.

Even national landmarks like the Statue of Liberty are struggling to stay open, forcing the mayor of New York to dip into the state's own funds to pay around $65,000 a day to keep the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island open.

Native tribes are falling victim to serious damage, as they are being kept from the much-needed federal funding that they negotiated for. They are having to use their own funds to keep basic things like clinics and food pantries open. Some tribes are even forced to stay in their homes with no access to food because the roads aren't being plowed.

Federal courts ran out of money by January 13th and now members from all 94 district courts have joined the furlough, as well. This means civil cases will be postponed for as long as needed, having criminal cases prioritized but not necessarily listened to due to the incredibly short staff.

All in all, this shutdown affects more than a lot of us think and for it to be going on for over a month just because a wall isn't being built is quite ridiculous.

People need their jobs back, and the rest of us need to the security of being taken care of by the government like we've been expecting our entire lives.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Drake
Hypetrak

1. Nails done hair done everything did / Oh you fancy huh

You're pretty much feeling yourself. New haircut, clothes, shoes, everything. New year, new you, right? You're ready for this semester to kick off.

Keep Reading...Show less
7 Ways to Make Your Language More Transgender and Nonbinary Inclusive

With more people becoming aware of transgender and non-binary people, there have been a lot of questions circulating online and elsewhere about how to be more inclusive. Language is very important in making a space safer for trans and non-binary individuals. With language, there is an established and built-in measure of whether a place could be safe or unsafe. If the wrong language is used, the place is unsafe and shows a lack of education on trans and non-binary issues. With the right language and education, there can be more safe spaces for trans and non-binary people to exist without feeling the need to hide their identities or feel threatened for merely existing.

Keep Reading...Show less
singing
Cambio

Singing is something I do all day, every day. It doesn't matter where I am or who's around. If I feel like singing, I'm going to. It's probably annoying sometimes, but I don't care -- I love to sing! If I'm not singing, I'm probably humming, sometimes without even realizing it. So as someone who loves to sing, these are some of the feelings and thoughts I have probably almost every day.

Keep Reading...Show less
success
Degrassi.Wikia

Being a college student is one of the most difficult task known to man. Being able to balance your school life, work life and even a social life is a task of greatness. Here's an ode to some of the small victories that mean a lot to us college students.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

6 Signs You're A Workaholic

Becuase of all things to be addicted to, you're addicted to making money.

478
workaholic
kaboompics

After turning 16, our parents start to push us to get a job and take on some responsibility. We start to make our own money in order to fund the fun we intend on having throughout the year. But what happens when you've officially become so obsessed with making money that you can't even remember the last day you had off? You, my friend, have become a workaholic. Being a workaholic can be both good and bad. It shows dedication to your job and the desire to save money. It also shows that you don't have a great work-life balance. Here are the signs of becoming a workaholic.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments