The Wall. The Shutdown

[hollohas]

So the "shutdown" has basically been a nothing story this time around. No one cares. Expect for the poop in national parks of course (seriously? That's news?)

Anyway, as they have in the past, and always do, the unelected bureaucrats came up with a way to "make it hurt". The IRS announced today that they won't be issuing income tax returns/refunds while the gov is under partial shutdown. While citizens may not have cared about dirty national parks or the shutdown this time around, they will care about not getting their tax refunds. Trump will have to cave to the pressure now. I'm so sick of our fucktard .gov.

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[Irving]

How long does the government usually shut down every year?

[Scanker19]

How long does the government usually shut down every year?

Long enough to make those of use that rely on them for our pensions worry.

[hollohas]

How long does the government usually shut down every year?It's happened 3 times already this year.

I remember it was a pretty big deal in the news in 2013 and even with folks here. Back then, most federal employees still had to work, they just had a small delay in their paycheck. A few were simply sent home during the shutdown. But they made that one "hurt" too. Remember the news videos of national park employees putting fences up around national monuments while old vets were standing outside? Like it was somehow less government spending to rent and install barriers around open air parks and monuments than it would have been to leave them open? (Funny that they used a politicized barrier to make people hate the shutdown that time but this time it's shutdown because they don't want a barrier...)

Yeah, the bureaucrats always find a way to hurt American citizens in order to generate support get their way. Always.

[CS1983]

I'll forgo a tax return this year if the IRS goes away after the shutdown.

[Great-Kazoo]

Look at previous shutdowns. Those longer than 2 weeks were under D administrations. But we're not hearing that, are we?


Once again. There's an overt attempt to oust this administration. Bad enough the D's want it. But throw in the RINO's, who hate trump fucked up their good ol politicians club. It's sad.
Then we have what some media outlets are focusing on. Pelosi saying there's a good chance that can impeach Trump.
Not how they will work together to end the shutdown.

[hollohas]

I'll forgo a tax return this year if the IRS goes away after the shutdown.Ditto.

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[Irving]

Is this shutdown specifically to try and make a push for building a wall?

[Great-Kazoo]

Is this shutdown specifically to try and make a push for building a wall?

Part of it is for the funding. The rest is the usual D.C bullshit. The D's came back with an offer, yet completely omitted wall / Border Security funding. They're going farther away from the goal line every day.
BUT. i believe once again the R's will cave due to them caring more about poll numbers, that actually doing something. Other than sucking the d's dicks

[hurley842002]

I'm not really concerned with anybody's tax return, I'm working and not being paid until this shit show is settled.

ETA: I shouldn't be insensitive to people needing/wanting their returns, it's just hard to sympathize while I continue to report to work, uncertain of when I'll be compensated.

[hollohas]

I'm not really concerned with anybody's tax return, I'm working and not being paid until this shit show is settled.But you will get paid when it's over, right?

[hurley842002]

But you will get paid when it's over, right?Yes, but I've already had a couple creditors tell me the shutdown is not their problem, which it isn't, but it shouldn't be my problem either.

[hollohas]

Yes, but I've already had a couple creditors tell me the shutdown is not their problem, which it isn't, but it shouldn't be my problem either.I hear ya. I have a neighbor that is on furlough. I don't know if they're going to end up being tight, but I've offered them any help I can provide if it comes to that. I hope neighbors all over the country will do the same.

[hurley842002]

I hear ya. I have a neighbor that is on furlough. I don't know if they're going to end up being tight, but I've offered them any help I can provide if it comes to that. I hope neighbors all over the country will do the same.That's awesome of you to offer, contrary to public opinion, government workers (at least the majority) aren't getting rich off of their salaries, sure the retirement is good, and the benefits are decent, but salaries aren't making people rich. I get it, everyone should have a rainy day fund, but depending on where you live, paycheck to paycheck is a harsh reality.

[hollohas]

And that's my point of the post. The media made it painfully obvious in 2013 how many fed employees were getting hurt by the shutdown then. There's has been virtually zero mention of it this time anywhere, even though it IS affecting people. The American public has basically been ignoring the shutdown this time around.

But they found a way to make it hurt everyone. The shutdown was getting no traction so today the media made sure everyone in the country would hear that the shutdown will hit their pocketbooks too. Been ignored for weeks and in one day, it became everyone's problem.

[CS1983]

Do people not realize how much more the bloated Federal government hurts their wallets by even existing in its present form, than a measly shutdown and a few thousand dollars in a tax return not coming (and who gets a tax return in January anyway?).

[hollohas]

Do people not realize how much more the bloated Federal government hurts their wallets by even existing in its present form, than a measly shutdown and a few thousand dollars in a tax return not coming (and who gets a tax return in January anyway?).No they don't. People love getting tax returns. They forget it's their money.

"Smartest" thing the gov did to collect income taxes is make employers take it out of citizens' checks. They never notice it's gone. If the IRS went door-to-door to collect, there would have been a revolt long ago.

Second "smartest" idea was to then give "refunds" because citizens treat it like free government money. They love refunds!!! It's almost like people enjoy the fact the government took too much of their money in the first place.

[ray1970]

People who get refunds must be proud that they help fund all of the governments stupidity throughout the year by giving them an interest free loan. It baffles me.

[cstone]

I'm not really concerned with anybody's tax return, I'm working and not being paid until this shit show is settled.

ETA: I shouldn't be insensitive to people needing/wanting their returns, it's just hard to sympathize while I continue to report to work, uncertain of when I'll be compensated.

But consider the boost for our egos every time our employer tells us we are essential. [ROFL2]

I have lost count at the number of shut downs. Most have only been a day or three, but the inter-office drama and emails that lead up to the shut downs that didn't happen are just as bad. We have always been paid when the shut down is resolved. There has never been any guarantee, however Congress knows that it would be bad if they stiffed hundreds of thousands of employees, most of whom worked through the shut down. My wife and I always have a brief conversation about how nice it would be to non-essential. That way, I could stay home AND get paid for that time when the shut down is resolved. Being essential just means that your pay is delayed.

All part of the joy of public service. [hahhah-no]

Be safe.

[GilpinGuy]

I guess I'm a moron. If there's a "shutdown", why are people working and not getting paid? Did someone change the definition of shut down?

[cstone]

I guess I'm a moron. If there's a "shutdown", why are people working and not getting paid? Did someone change the definition of shut down?

If any government shut down, would you or anyone else expect the military to not defend the nation? Some government functions are considered essential and therefore those employees are expected to continue working regardless of whether they will be paid. The unwritten rule that has always been true for the federal government is that when the funding dispute is settled, the employees will be paid. Since the non-essential employees had no choice in whether they were taking a vacation or not, Congress has always paid them as well.

Most if not all shutdowns are partial. Much of the government has been funded, i.e. Congress passed funding legislation and the President signed it. The funding authorization for about 60% of the government ran out on December 21, 2018. Often Congress will pass Continuing Resolutions (to keep the money rolling) for short periods of time and the President will sign them until they can reach an agreement on future funding. Often, parts of the government will go a whole year on a CR just because both houses of Congress can't get a bill they agree on to the President.

This current shutdown is because Congress keeps passing funding without the $5 Billion the President has asked for to fund the Wall. Eventually one side or the other will blink and this too shall pass...till the next faux political drama.

[Gman]

Congress is Constitutionally required to approve an annual budget. They're not holding up to this obligation, nor are they being held accountable. They've figure out they can play these brinkmanship games of shutdowns, put in temporary funding + a whole bunch of pork to get approval of the funding, only to kick the can down the road for a few months.

Our government is a dysfunctional mess and there's no correction in sight.

[cstone]

Congress is Constitutionally required to approve an annual budget. They're not holding up to this obligation, nor are they being held accountable. They've figure out they can play these brinkmanship games of shutdowns, put in temporary funding + a whole bunch of pork to get approval of the funding, only to kick the can down the road for a few months.

Our government is a dysfunctional mess and there's no correction in sight.

Your last sentence is spot on.

To be fair, Congress has approved and sent both funding requests and CRs to President Trump. The problem is that Congress is sending him funding that he has stated that he will not sign. The only power to hold Congress accountable resides with the voters. Sadly, we get the government we deserve. I would rather have the dysfunctional mess that we have in Congress than the very effective legislature they have in Sacramento. The California legislature sent 183 bills to outgoing governor Jerry Brown to sign or veto at the end of their session in September 2018. The people of Colorado will soon find themselves in the same circumstance with a legislature that can pass whatever the progressive left supports and a governor that will be all too happy to sign those issues into law.

The only end I can see to all of this is when they run out of other people's money. When interest rates go up, all governments that borrow will have less money to spend on providing services because more of the money they take in revenue will go toward paying the interest on debt. I often wonder what the FICO score would be for the federal government if it was held to the same credit scrutiny that they hold us to. [shithitsfan]

[BushMasterBoy]

Can't we just borrow from the Russians ? After all they are the worlds largest country.HAHA

[davsel]

If there is no one at the IRS to send out refunds, then there is no one there to take in statements. I call BS.

[DDT951]

I'm not really concerned with anybody's tax return, I'm working and not being paid until this shit show is settled.

ETA: I shouldn't be insensitive to people needing/wanting their returns, it's just hard to sympathize while I continue to report to work, uncertain of when I'll be compensated.


Dont worry.

Tax Freedom day comes April 19th this year.

Until then, the average person is working without getting any pay. They simply send their money into the government.

[hurley842002]

Dont worry.

Tax Freedom day comes April 19th this year.

Until then, the average person is working without getting any pay. They simply send their money into the government.Riiiiiigghhtt...

[Irving]

I owe the government WAY more then they owe me. Does this mean I'll get a delay on when I can pay?

[TFOGGER]

I owe the government WAY more then they owe me. Does this mean I'll get a delay on when I can pay?

No. That part of the IRS is considered "essential". Armed thugs stand ready to extort you.

[hollohas]

I owe the government WAY more then they owe me. Does this mean I'll get a delay on when I can pay?Hahahahahahaha

Hahahahahahahaha

[CHA-LEE]

I have mixed feelings on these never ending "Government Shutdowns"...........

On one side it makes me sick to think that the Congress, President and Executive Staff can't get all of the budget stuff hammered out LONG before a shutdown is even needed. C'MON people that is your fricken job!!! Get your job done competently like the rest of the working force in the nation or be fired. I guarantee that this budget bickering, shutdowns, and whatever else tied to it wouldn't happen if there was a policy that stated that for every Hour the government is "Shutdown" 1 random congressman is fired then immediately thrown into a wood chipper. Put all of their names in the hat and simply keep drawing names and feeding them to the wood chipper until they quit jacking around and get it resolved. If that didn't motivate them properly to get the job done it would at least thin the herd that already needs thinning.

The other side of the coin has me feeling very little empathy for the government employees bitching about not getting paid during the shutdown. Government shutdowns delaying peoples pay are nothing new and have happened many times in the past. The current shutdown is also guaranteed to not be the last. These shutdowns WILL happen and employees need to account for that reality happening. Having a "Here it goes again" savings account would be a mandatory requirement if I worked for the government. I also want to point out that these shutdowns usually happen around the same time every year so its not like you don't see it coming either. I get it, adulting is hard. But that is just part of being an adult. The other night I seen a middle aged women on the news whining about not being able to pay her mortgage because of this government shutdown then also whining about having to use their vacation money for the mortgage. Are you SERIOUS???!!! Grow up and be responsible already!!! You have money to pay your mortgage so pay it. Then you hear about Government workers filing for unemployment after only 2 weeks of the government being shutdown. I guess moochers gotta mooch.

[Bailey Guns]

I owe the government WAY more then they owe me. Does this mean I'll get a delay on when I can pay?

Don't worry. They don't have a problem taking your money, with or without your consent or knowledge, whether you owe them anything or not. And NO ONE is accountable when they fuck up.

I actually had an IRS person say the following to me after questioning why a savings account was robbed garnished by them: "We also intercepted your refund because you didn't file a return."

A gold star will be awarded to anyone that can identify the obvious problem with that statement.

[CS1983]

So... I thought Mexico was going to pay for the wall?

[CS1983]

Don't worry. They don't have a problem taking your money, with or without your consent or knowledge, whether you owe them anything or not. And NO ONE is accountable when they fuck up.

I actually had an IRS person say the following to me after questioning why a savings account was robbed garnished by them: "We also intercepted your refund because you didn't file a return."

A gold star will be awarded to anyone that can identify the obvious problem with that statement.
They don't know your refund if you didn't file a return.

[Gman]

20 Years Of Congress?s Budget Procrastination, In One Chart (https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/20-years-of-congresss-budget-procrastination-in-one-chart/)

https://fivethirtyeight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/wezerek_shutdown_02072.png?w=575

If Congress can't do their job, don't pay them. Or just fire the sumbitches.

[brutal]

I have mixed feelings on these never ending "Government Shutdowns"...........

On one side it makes me sick to think that the Congress, President and Executive Staff can't get all of the budget stuff hammered out LONG before a shutdown is even needed. C'MON people that is your fricken job!!! Get your job done competently like the rest of the working force in the nation or be fired. I guarantee that this budget bickering, shutdowns, and whatever else tied to it wouldn't happen if there was a policy that stated that for every Hour the government is "Shutdown" 1 random congressman is fired then immediately thrown into a wood chipper. Put all of their names in the hat and simply keep drawing names and feeding them to the wood chipper until they quit jacking around and get it resolved. If that didn't motivate them properly to get the job done it would at least thin the herd that already needs thinning.

The other side of the coin has me feeling very little empathy for the government employees bitching about not getting paid during the shutdown. Government shutdowns delaying peoples pay are nothing new and have happened many times in the past. The current shutdown is also guaranteed to not be the last. These shutdowns WILL happen and employees need to account for that reality happening. Having a "Here it goes again" savings account would be a mandatory requirement if I worked for the government. I also want to point out that these shutdowns usually happen around the same time every year so its not like you don't see it coming either. I get it, adulting is hard. But that is just part of being an adult. The other night I seen a middle aged women on the news whining about not being able to pay her mortgage because of this government shutdown then also whining about having to use their vacation money for the mortgage. Are you SERIOUS???!!! Grow up and be responsible already!!! You have money to pay your mortgage so pay it. Then you hear about Government workers filing for unemployment after only 2 weeks of the government being shutdown. I guess moochers gotta mooch.

Pretty sure all those gov employees sued the last time and got 2x overtime pay in the end.

[fitz19d]

While the feds will get paid after the fact, it does suck for various contractors. My old job, bunch of guys are not working right now, and won't be getting make up pay because unlike feds that are just working thru it, they don't have any work to do during a shutdown. So I'm hoping Deranged Pelosi caves soon.

[hurley842002]

Pretty sure all those gov employees sued the last time and got 2x overtime pay in the end.Nobody has been paid anything from that.

[Gman]

So I'm hoping Deranged Pelosi caves soon.
Nah. Trump will cave first.


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[brutal]

Nobody has been paid anything from that.

Regular pay was already made good, no?

It's just the OT pay from the lawsuit that hasn't yet been paid (assuming one opted-in?)

https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2017-02-16/judge-orders-double-pay-for-thousands-of-federal-workers-affected-by-2013-shutdown

I don't mean to diminish your plight, just throwing out some facts here.

[hurley842002]

Regular pay was already made good, no?

It's just the OT pay from the lawsuit that hasn't yet been paid (assuming one opted-in?)

https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2017-02-16/judge-orders-double-pay-for-thousands-of-federal-workers-affected-by-2013-shutdown

I don't mean to diminish your plight, just throwing out some facts here.Correct, everyone received their regular paycheck, nobody has received any of the settlement money.

[kidicarus13]

"Do your job and quit making $hit up!!!"

- Josh McDaniels circa 2010

...in response to CHA-LEE's post #31. I don't want the wrong person to get their feelers hurt.

[Bailey Guns]

They don't know your refund if you didn't file a return.

https://thehaletelescope.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/gold-star.png

Bingo! Over 5 years they took almost $20k from us over a mistake they made. We did get it back...without the ability to charge the IRS interest and penalties like they did to us.

I hold the IRS in the same regard as the TSA. They're government sanctioned criminals.

[hollohas]

So... I thought Mexico was going to pay for the wall?In one way or another. Anyone who thought or thinks the phrase "Mexico will pay for it" means they were actually going to write a check is an airhead.

If we get more money out of Mexico through better trade deals, then they paid for it. If we save money because the illegals stay there and don't drain our system, then they paid for it. Classic Trump. Keep it vague.

Hell, if the go fund me raises the money and gives it to the Feds, it would still need to be "funded" in the budget.

No matter where the money comes from...savings, tariffs or personal check written to the Feds, the funding for the wall would still need to be put in the budget by Congress.

[hollohas]

Then you hear about Government workers filing for unemployment after only 2 weeks of the government being shutdown.

I haven't gotten a paycheck since before the shutdown started and have been working 11 hour days in the private sector. Should I file for unemployment too?

[CS1983]

In one way or another. Anyone who thought or thinks the phrase "Mexico will pay for it" means they were actually going to write a check is an airhead. If we get more money out of Mexico through better trade deals, then they paid for it. If we save money because the illegals stay there and don't drain our system, then they paid for it. Classic Trump. Keep it vague.

Hell, if the go fund me raises the money and gives it to the Feds, it would still need to be "funded" in the budget.

No matter where the money comes from...savings, tariffs or personal check written to the Feds, the funding for the wall would still need to be put in the budget by Congress.

So, the folks that bumped Trump over the edge to win...

[hollohas]

So, the folks that bumped Trump over the edge to win...Yup, I'm sure plenty of them are included in that.

[CS1983]

Hey, at least some good is coming of this: https://www.wnd.com/2019/01/seattles-tsa-officers-on-verge-of-quitting-over-lack-of-pay/?cat_orig=money

Unconstitutional violators of the 4th amendment threaten to quit their commie union job. Hooray!

[nelson]

I've got a flight scheduled Tuesday (return Thursday) for work.. hope TSA times aren't insane, I really don't want to spend 3hrs at the airport.

[Great-Kazoo]

I've got a flight scheduled Tuesday (return Thursday) for work.. hope TSA times aren't insane, I really don't want to spend 3hrs at the airport.

Who doesn't. The issue may be the weather that's moving across the country.

[Pistol Packing Preacher]

Will the 'shut down' affect the SS checks?

[Scanker19]

Will the 'shut down' affect the SS checks?

Everything I’ve read says that SS and VA will still get paid as they’re funded through something different.

[CS1983]

VA and SS are already funded. No effect on them.

[flogger]

Gun needs to point the other way: If they can't pass a budget, then prior funding levels for all agencies is automatically extended while new elections are held to fill ALL 435 of the vacant congressional seats, with a 90 day period after they sit a new house of reps to pass a new budget.

Yep. Fire the WHOLE LOT and get some actual brains in there instead of those career politician bloodsuckers. Pitiful situation brought on by pitiful people.

[brutal]

I still can't for the life of me understand how the fat cats that are supposed to be representing the people they were elected to serve, continue to get paid. There's very few of them, excepting perhaps some newly elected Congressional grass roots juniors, but certainly not one single Senator, that need the money to pay their bills.

[Great-Kazoo]

I still can't for the life of me understand how the fat cats that are supposed to be representing the people they were elected to serve, continue to get paid. There's very few of them, excepting perhaps some newly elected Congressional grass roots juniors, but certainly not one single Senator, that need the money to pay their bills.

That's the kicker, those who have don't care about anyone else.

Pelosi talks about the needs of the middle class, how she understands their plight. Yeah Like her or her husband ever dropped below the $100K annual salary. Not counting lobbyist and off the record donations.

Trump had a silver spoon in his crib

Ol Harry Reid, Clinton, the list goes on.

[Gman]

If you're not a multi-millionaire when you get elected to Congress, you are when you leave.

Hmmm. I wonder where the money comes from? [Mad]

[cstone]

If you're not a multi-millionaire when you get elected to Congress, you are when you leave.

Hmmm. I wonder where the money comes from? [Mad]

From everyone who expects something from you...and they often get it.




But you knew that didn't you?

[Aloha_Shooter]

I've got a flight scheduled Tuesday (return Thursday) for work.. hope TSA times aren't insane, I really don't want to spend 3hrs at the airport.

I just flew in from Honolulu last night/this morning. TSA at Honolulu was not only fully manned, since it was a late-ish flight (10:30 PM), there was NObody in line. I could have been through the checkpoint in 2 mins even without pre-check.

[Grant H.]

DIA was fine 1/6/19 as I flew out.

[brutal]

Ugh. Gotta fly a few times later this month, hope it doesn't turn to shit, even with PRE, it could suck.

[Rucker61]

ATF is working; tax stamp order cashed on 1/3.

[DireWolf]

ATF is working; tax stamp order cashed on 1/3.Cashing inbound checks is an essential function ;)

[hollohas]

Bloomberg is reporting that tax refunds WILL be issued during the shutdown after all, according to the White House Office of Management and Budget.

[hollohas]

But we may run out of beer! Everybody Panic!!!!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6566379/Government-shutdown-stalemate-halts-production-new-beer-wine.html

[Irving]

No one around to approve stuff means no one around to tell them not to sell it all.

[flogger]

The President is going to visit our Southern border later this week, he should invite Nancy and Chuck to come along.

I don't think they have a clue,... period.

[CS1983]

https://i.imgur.com/cubkj88.jpg

[BushMasterBoy]

Pinata bashers!

[CS1983]

ATF is working; tax stamp order cashed on 1/3.

From ASA email:


NFA Division Affected by Government Shutdown

ATLANTA, GA - As the government shutdown extends into its third week, suppressor buyers and dealers across the country have one resounding question: will the shutdown have an impact on suppressor transfers? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. After speaking with sources in the administration, ASA can confirm that the NFA Division is NOT processing tax-paid transfers during the shutdown.

Unlike the actual approval/denial of NFA applications, tax payments for NFA transfers are processed directly by Bank of America. Because Bank of America employees do not work for the government, the $200 tax payments are still being processed as usual. After the checks are cashed, the forms are still being mailed to the NFA Division in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Under normal circumstances, this part of the process accounts for the first one to two weeks of the average NFA transfer. As a result of the shutdown, forms are stacking up as they are received by the NFA Division.

[Rucker61]

From ASA email:

You cut me real deep, Shrek.

[hollohas]

https://babylonbee.com/news/with-government-shut-down-citizens-forced-to-interfere-in-their-own-lives


U.S. With the government shutdown in effect, life has felt incomplete for many Americans. Everything is just too easy it's boring, said restaurant owner Gloria Morgan, "and I realized it's because we're missing an essential challenge in life: soulless bureaucrats posing arbitrary rules on us."

One of the primary functions of the government is to ignorantly muck around in the business of others, but the shutdown has hampered that. Thus citizens have been forced to try to fill that void themselves. "Today I just suddenly decided large sodas weren't allowed, said Morgan. It was an annoying, pointless obstacle the whole day, it was like the government was still around."............

[CS1983]

You cut me real deep, Shrek.

I don't quite know what that means -- a reoccurring problem of mine. :D

[Singlestack]

From ASA email:

I have a Rugged Obsidian 45 in jail, so this will probably affect me. However, not all bleak since my private range/FFL has possession of it and I can shoot it there when I visit.

[buffalobo]

https://thehaletelescope.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/gold-star.png

Bingo! Over 5 years they took almost $20k from us over a mistake they made. We did get it back...without the ability to charge the IRS interest and penalties like they did to us.

I hold the IRS in the same regard as the TSA. They're government sanctioned criminals.Way too high of regard.

[Rucker61]

I don't quite know what that means -- a reoccurring problem of mine. :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chYZP85d8Mc

[TheGrey]

I have mixed feelings on these never ending "Government Shutdowns"...........

On one side it makes me sick to think that the Congress, President and Executive Staff can't get all of the budget stuff hammered out LONG before a shutdown is even needed. C'MON people that is your fricken job!!! Get your job done competently like the rest of the working force in the nation or be fired. I guarantee that this budget bickering, shutdowns, and whatever else tied to it wouldn't happen if there was a policy that stated that for every Hour the government is "Shutdown" 1 random congressman is fired then immediately thrown into a wood chipper. Put all of their names in the hat and simply keep drawing names and feeding them to the wood chipper until they quit jacking around and get it resolved. If that didn't motivate them properly to get the job done it would at least thin the herd that already needs thinning.

The other side of the coin has me feeling very little empathy for the government employees bitching about not getting paid during the shutdown. Government shutdowns delaying peoples pay are nothing new and have happened many times in the past. The current shutdown is also guaranteed to not be the last. These shutdowns WILL happen and employees need to account for that reality happening. Having a "Here it goes again" savings account would be a mandatory requirement if I worked for the government. I also want to point out that these shutdowns usually happen around the same time every year so its not like you don't see it coming either. I get it, adulting is hard. But that is just part of being an adult. The other night I seen a middle aged women on the news whining about not being able to pay her mortgage because of this government shutdown then also whining about having to use their vacation money for the mortgage. Are you SERIOUS???!!! Grow up and be responsible already!!! You have money to pay your mortgage so pay it. Then you hear about Government workers filing for unemployment after only 2 weeks of the government being shutdown. I guess moochers gotta mooch.

Moocher?! Since when does working any career mean that it's okay to have your pay suspended, jeopardizing your credit rating, just as you've implied that they deserve as much- all because they work for the government?

There are people on this board that are affected by this event. In 2013, we were in some real difficulty with the furlough. You may not see that there are real people affected by this ridiculous tantrum by the governments. Or you may not want to see.

It's a shame that compassion can be such a rare commodity.

[hurley842002]

Moocher?! Since when does working any career mean that it's okay to have your pay suspended, jeopardizing your credit rating, just as you've implied that they deserve as much- all because they work for the government?

There are people on this board that are affected by this event. In 2013, we were in some real difficulty with the furlough. You may not see that there are real people affected by this ridiculous tantrum by the governments. Or you may not want to see.

It's a shame that compassion can be such a rare commodity.I've learned a lot about people recently, even folks on this forum. I was going to respond to Cha-lee's post, but it was going to be in a way that would have gotten me a time out (at a minimum), so I ignored him.

I've learned there is no compassion for those that might be struggling due to not being paid for work being done, if you don't have money saved in case the government decides to try and screw you over, then to hell with you, never mind any number of circumstances that could contribute to not having money saved, you are just automatically considered to be irresponsible financially.

I could give several examples of co-workers of mine, friends of mine, that are in a rough spot coming up real soon if the government doesn't open, but I'm not going to, because some asshat will post a rebuttal on how they should have had a buffer (not even knowing their situation). Hell, I'M going to be hurting if this thing drags on too long.

[DavieD55]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb1ziq86bUk



https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=5xzd3puYmiM

[CS1983]

I've learned a lot about people recently, even folks on this forum. I was going to respond to Cha-lee's post, but it was going to be in a way that would have gotten me a time out (at a minimum), so I ignored him.

I've learned there is no compassion for those that might be struggling due to not being paid for work being done, if you don't have money saved in case the government decides to try and screw you over, then to hell with you, never mind any number of circumstances that could contribute to not having money saved, you are just automatically considered to be irresponsible financially.

I could give several examples of co-workers of mine, friends of mine, that are in a rough spot coming up real soon if the government doesn't open, but I'm not going to, because some asshat will post a rebuttal on how they should have had a buffer (not even knowing their situation). Hell, I'M going to be hurting if this thing drags on too long.

Here's the thing:

Only those who are "essential" are working right now. This is an AMAZING opportunity to ID and cut the fat off of everything. Then in the future, once truly essential departments and personnel are ID'd, they should be funded like the DOD and others are so that this doesn't happen. The rest? Well they can go away entirely (IRS and BATFE to name a few, since they aren't actually essential and represent unconstitutional "laws", along with the other obviously non-essential groups). From there, those functions can either go back to the states like they should be, or if they shouldn't exist at all and represent a mere symptom of government largesse, they go away entirely. If there's an actual need for their "services", some private business will step in and profit and it will be an entirely mutual relationship, rather than the giant government leech that currently exists.

But there's also another reality: the government shouldn't be screwing anyone over. Moreover, there shouldn't be ANY Federal agencies as they exist today outside of DOD (which IS a national function), but cooperative state efforts if such a need even exists.

If you want to stop the problem, you gotta take away the problem starter: government overreach.

[clodhopper]

It's a shame that compassion can be such a rare commodity.

It's a shame that thicker skin can be such a rare commodity.

Seriously, you and I have already been round and round before on this topic, so no need to rehash old ground. Whether government or private, each has its downsides and risks to those employed. Surviving a furlough isn't the end of the world, even if it is tough at the moment. I have great empathy for those stuck in that situation. However... the over-the-top sky-is-falling presentation of it makes those in other employment avenues very negative. I get it, that is not the fault of the govt workers, but rather the politicians and media. Sure would be nice to hear the pressure being applied to shame the politicians into doing their jobs, rather than constantly yanking my heart strings with misleading crap about how workers are "working without pay" like they were converted to indentured servitude. You are going to get your pay, along with all the benefits, just have to hold on for it.

In my mind what sucks the worst is the critical workers have to show up, while the non-crits get paid (albeit delayed pay) vacation. The manner of govt shutdown is stupid. Suspend all pay, hold up all expenditures, but if everyone is getting paid when it is over, then they need to show the f up every day. Most govt workers are in a union (shouldn't be allowed, but not the hill to die on with that) so either the union should be filing against the govt to change the law and prevent the furlough in the future, or arranging pay insurance to cover your salary during the furlough. The fact that none of that happens should make the union members seriously question what the benefits of union membership are, besides the govt pays the dues so it doesn't cost them anything (directly anyway).

[CHA-LEE]

Moocher?! Since when does working any career mean that it's okay to have your pay suspended, jeopardizing your credit rating, just as you've implied that they deserve as much- all because they work for the government?

There are people on this board that are affected by this event. In 2013, we were in some real difficulty with the furlough. You may not see that there are real people affected by this ridiculous tantrum by the governments. Or you may not want to see.

It's a shame that compassion can be such a rare commodity.

Every "Career" has its ups and downs. As adults we need to hedge our bets in our favor, especially when a significant issue is highly likely to happen and does happen on an annual basis. You want to work for the government, great. Part of that "Career" is accepting the fact that there are a bunch of buffoons at the top that can get into a poo flinging contest which will result in government shutdowns. Expect the poo flinging, Expect not getting paid for a while, Expect to save for these events. If you do that then its not a dire issue when it does happen.

The company I work for has forced us to burn 80 Hours of Accrued Vacation every year for the past 4 years in Company Shutdowns to reduce expenses. If you don't have enough banked vacation to cover the forced shutdown you simply don't get paid during that time. To make it even more fun, salaried employees like me that are critical to the business also get to work during those forced company shutdowns while still getting our vacation hours nuked. You hear me whining about this reality? Nope. Does it suck that my company chooses to obliterate my vacation every year and force me to basically work for free? Absolutely. But I plan for it, and budget accordingly so it doesn't impact my income or ability to pay my bills. Like I said before, adulting isn't fun or easy but its still required to get done. That reality has nothing to do with compassion.

[kidicarus13]

If it were me... a credit card will cover those affected interest free for 25-30 days. Now if that card already have a balance, well... see above posts.

[CS1983]

https://bigmemes.funnyjunk.com/pictures/Never+reported_1d75fa_6915322.jpg

Translation: the Democrats want people to hurt in order to negatively affect Trump on one of his campaign promises, and frankly don't give a damn about you, the worker.

[Irving]

It seems like voting to dole out a paycheck and then still being against the wall could have happened at the same time. Really makes one wonder what the true motives of each side are.

[BushMasterBoy]

Congressional orgy gone bad.

[clodhopper]

https://bigmemes.funnyjunk.com/pictures/Never+reported_1d75fa_6915322.jpg

Translation: the Democrats want people to hurt in order to negatively affect Trump on one of his campaign promises, and frankly don't give a damn about you, the worker.

It really shows how inept the repubs are on getting consistent messaging out. The dems keep pulling jackass moves, and yet you still don't see the rpubs singing it from the rooftops. While I understand the dems have the ally of the media, the rpubs need to try harder. Also need to get past the "quiet, professional approach" and adopt the dem methods, roll around in the mud with them and stick it to em when they deserve it.


Really makes one wonder what the true motives of each side are.

No wonder needed. Both sides have the same single motive. Get re-elected.

[Irving]

It just seems like no matter what happens, we all lose. It's really a shame.

[CS1983]

It's a feature, not a bug.

[Gman]

It just seems like no matter what happens, we all lose. It's really a shame.

The best government money can buy.

[clodhopper]

It just seems like no matter what happens, we all lose. It's really a shame.

And that is why gridlock is a preferred governmental condition.

[Gman]

Yep. When they're working, it's not for our betterment. When they're not working, they can't screw us.

...unfortunately, the Feds have involved themselves into way too many aspects of our daily lives, so when business can't move forward, it hurts.

[kidicarus13]

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross...
?Banks and credit unions should be making credit available to them,? Ross said. ?Now true, the people might have to pay a little bit of interest, but the idea that it's paycheck or zero is not a really valid idea.?

[clodhopper]

...unfortunately, the Feds have involved themselves into way too many aspects of our daily lives, so when business can't move forward, it hurts.

A shutdown is a perfect opportunity for the general population to better understand all the bullcrap interference the feds pull, and possibly get enough people to demand some of it reset. Just like the common question of whether the shutdown has had an effect on your life.

I truly wish no one had to lose a job, ...but... for the long term good I am hoping some of the shutdown facets of the feds are deemed unnecessary and eliminated.

[Irving]

Maybe we'll get lucky and some of the future jobs lost to automation that we always hear about will be politician jobs.

[MrPrena]

Shorter terms and term limit.

[CS1983]

https://i.imgur.com/H7oGOyi.png

[OtterbatHellcat]

I'll be criticized for this I'm sure, but I think you should have enough bank saved up to live for several months without pay as general practice, no matter who you work for.

If you blew everything you made, every check....don't cry to anyone about it.....Especially if you have a GOV job. How many times have they shut down now?...and you can't eat because you didn't save anything back? If sixty days without pay is going to get you hungry and evicted, you're living beyond your means with a flippant idea about the future.

I say this because I'm tired of the media stories sensationalizing "the family that can't eat" because of the shut down.

[hurley842002]

I'll be criticized for this I'm sure, but I think you should have enough bank saved up to live for several months without pay as general practice, no matter who you work for.

If you blew everything you made, every check....don't cry to anyone about it.....Especially if you have a GOV job. How many times have they shut down now?...and you can't eat because you didn't save anything back? If sixty days without pay is going to get you hungry and evicted, you're living beyond your means with a flippant idea about the future.

I say this because I'm tired of the media stories sensationalizing "the family that can't eat" because of the shut down.It would appear you have a flawed sense of reality for many people. Do you have kids by chance?

[Irving]

My wife keeps asking me if I think things will get bad because of this and every time I tell her no. The thing that bothers me is the idea that people are being evicted. Whatever. A squatter could move into your house and it'd take you six months to get them evicted through the courts. No one is getting evicted this fast.

[Irving]

It would appear you have a flawed sense of reality for many people. Do you have kids by chance?

What he's saying is absolutely correct, but that doesn't mean that most people do that. An economist recently won a Nobel Prize for his work that shows that people mostly do NOT follow economic models that predict how people should act. I've certainly had times that I've had months of income, but due to my own poor choices, I mostly am not in that state of financial security.

[hurley842002]

My wife keeps asking me if I think things will get bad because of this and every time I tell her no. The thing that bothers me is the idea that people are being evicted. Whatever. A squatter could move into your house and it'd take you six months to get them evicted through the courts. No one is getting evicted this fast.Yeah, that's a bit dramatic, our upstairs neighbor was several months late before they ever got the boot, the late fees you are likely to incur on the other hand, will probably be steep.

[OtterbatHellcat]

It would appear you have a flawed sense of reality for many people. Do you have kids by chance?

Flawed is debatable, kids...no. Assuredly, this cannot be the first time you've heard it's wise to have several months of living money saved up?

[hurley842002]

What he's saying is absolutely correct, but that doesn't mean that most people do that. An economist recently won a Nobel Prize for his work that shows that people mostly do NOT follow economic models that predict how people should act. I've certainly had times that I've had months of income, but due to my own poor choices, I mostly am not in that state of financial security.

Of course you should have a nice chunk saved for emergencies, no sane individual would say otherwise, but there are plenty of circumstances out there, where folks don't have that buffer, and it's not always due to poor choices as Kowalski suggests.

[hurley842002]

Flawed is debatable, kids...no. Assuredly, this cannot be the first time you've heard it's wise to have several months of living money saved up?No it's not wise guy, did any part of my post suggest that?

[OtterbatHellcat]

I don't know what you're readin', Hurley....but I'm not fightin' witcha.

The phrase "poor choices" was not used in anything I posted or suggested.

[hurley842002]

I don't know what you're readin', Hurley....but I'm not fightin' witcha.

The phrase "poor choices" was not used in anything I posted or suggested.Your initial post, paints all Gov employees with a broad brush, and suggests that if they don't have 6 months of savings, they are irresponsible with their money, and that is just not the case for everyone.

I'll bow out of this thread tho, because like one of the other forums I frequent, I'm guessing 99% of the members here are not fond of Gov employees anyway, so arguing my point isn't going to do any good.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Hurley, it's not about bowing out of the thread, nor was the gov job aspect an issue about being prepared.

And in no way am I against gov workers.

[CS1983]

I’m not against gov workers. I’m against overreaching government that violates subsidiarity and manufactures itself into a self-licking ice cream cone. Aside from the Defense sector, there’s very little need for the majority of Fed employees. As I said before, this is a great opportunity to cut the fat at the Fed level. We should also disband the IRS, BATFE, and a few others.

[Gman]

I’m not against gov workers. I’m against overreaching government that violates subsidiarity and manufactures itself into a self-licking ice cream cone. Aside from the Defense sector, there’s very little need for the majority of Fed employees. As I said before, this is a great opportunity to cut the fat at the Fed level. We should also disband the IRS, BATFE, and a few others.
Good luck with that.

The beast must be fed.

[Irving]

It's a pipe dream to think of getting rid of the BATFE or IRS.

[CS1983]

I agree. Which is why I have no hope for this country.

[clodhopper]

It's a pipe dream to think of getting rid of the BATFE or IRS.

He said "should". Not "will", "might", or even "hope they will" or "wish". I suspect most around here would agree that it "should" happen, and most around here also no it "never will".

[BushMasterBoy]

I think the real reason for the .gov to want a wall is the possibilty of a pandemic emanating from south of the border. Imagine a mutagenic zoonosis with an extremely high mortality rate. Level 4 containment facilities in short supply and mass graves in our future? Is this why the video of the flying saucer in the jungle was pulled from the utuber? Anybody happen to see the video?

[Irving]

He said "should". Not "will", "might", or even "hope they will" or "wish". I suspect most around here would agree that it "should" happen, and most around here also no it "never will".

I used to think that, but I'm not sure that I do anymore.


I think the real reason for the .gov to want a wall is the possibilty of a pandemic emanating from south of the border. Imagine a mutagenic zoonosis with an extremely high mortality rate. Level 4 containment facilities in short supply and mass graves in our future? Is this why the video of the flying saucer in the jungle was pulled from the utuber? Anybody happen to see the video?

If you're thinking of something sentient, or small like drugs, a wall would have an effective level of zero. If you're thinking of like a zombie Buffalo or elephant, then sure a wall could be mostly effective.

[TFOGGER]

Physical barriers are only one aspect of border security, a small, but important, aspect. There are many parts of the border where a wall makes no sense, and a few areas where it makes good sense(and is already in place). The big issue I see is that just like in a thousand other examples, politicians with zero expertise are trying to apply blanket solutions to complex problems where they are not applicable. I propose freezing ALL ASSETS of the 535 members of Congress, the Executive branch, and their families until they pass a budget that is balanced. No sleight of hand with the Social Security trust fund or any other underhanded bullshit, just a budget that does NOT include any appropriations that are A) not mandated by the Constitution, and B) not fully funded by current year tax revenues.

[CS1983]

Physical barriers are only one aspect of border security, a small, but important, aspect. There are many parts of the border where a wall makes no sense, and a few areas where it makes good sense(and is already in place). The big issue I see is that just like in a thousand other examples, politicians with zero expertise are trying to apply blanket solutions to complex problems where they are not applicable. I propose freezing ALL ASSETS of the 535 members of Congress, the Executive branch, and their families until they pass a budget that is balanced. No sleight of hand with the Social Security trust fund or any other underhanded bullshit, just a budget that does NOT include any appropriations that are A) not mandated by the Constitution, and B) not fully funded by current year tax revenues.

Sir, we've already been told us dreamers are dreamers. ...but I'm not the only one.

[CS1983]

It's not Trump keeping folks unpaid. It's the Dems.

77139

[Irving]

Sir, we've already been told us dreamers are dreamers. ...but I'm not the only one.

I think that's actually a great idea (except freezing the accounts of family members part), but unfortunately has about as much of a chance of happening as eliminating the IRS.

[CS1983]

As I told my manager the other day, I've stopped quoting Jefferson and other Founding Fathers lest I find myself sitting in Counter-Intel's office explaining why I'm not an insider threat.

[Great-Kazoo]

I think that's actually a great idea (except freezing the accounts of family members part), but unfortunately has about as much of a chance of happening as eliminating the IRS.

You realize the IRS is the only non government entity with far reaching powers. They have the ability to seize assets w/out a court order or due process.

[Irving]

Yep

[clodhopper]

Physical barriers are only one aspect of border security, a small, but important, aspect. There are many parts of the border where a wall makes no sense, and a few areas where it makes good sense(and is already in place). The big issue I see is that just like in a thousand other examples, politicians with zero expertise are trying to apply blanket solutions to complex problems where they are not applicable.

I would say the border patrol should be the primary voice in what is needed and what would work. Problem is, although a million conflicting media reports all say they know what the border agents want, I cannot find a single report with a plan that was prepared by the border authority. A million pages of hearsay and confusion. Anyone have a link to something coherent?

[CS1983]

https://myfedbenefitshelp.com/assistance-programs-for-federal-employees-furlough-during-the-government-shutdown/

Map of places folks can get assistance.

[CS1983]

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/25/drudge-report-shutdown-deal-reached-government-reopen-temporarily/

[Great-Kazoo]

He could have cut & pasted this speech before Christmas & accepted this same exact resolution back on Dec 22. Instead, he rejected it in 2018, shut the government down & 35 days later in 2019 signed it anyway. Brilliant, bloody brilliant sir!! [ROFL1]

Yes he could have. The D's could have also given the same funding they approved under Obamas watch, and agreed was necessary. When he asked for it. But NOOOOOOO it's become a kids game of who's ball and bat it is.

They're all losers and should be recalled, or thrown out of office. You pull this shit in the private sector, you're out of work.

[BushMasterBoy]

Does this mean the VA will quit playing politics with the medications I need? Is America just one big incompetent scam? Let the internet wars begin!

[Great-Kazoo]

Does this mean the VA will quit playing politics with the medications I need? Is America just one big incompetent scam? Let the internet wars begin!

VA down here is running full time. The line this morning for meds, was like waiting for Led Zepplin reunion tickets. Not saying who is or isn't getting their script filled.

[hollohas]

President caved. He says he'll use executive authority to do it they don't fund it next month.

He said that for the last month too.

So why didn't he just use executive authority already? Why drag out the fight? If it's an emergency, get it done now. He needs to stop the threats and just finish the fight. I can't believe he went through the last month and came out with NOTHING but the same old threat..

I'ma do it.

No really guys, I'ma do it!

Seriously, don't test me, I'ma do it!!!

Ok, you can have what you want now, but if you don't give me what I want later, I'm seriously gonna do it this time. I'm serious guys, don't test me.

They already tested him and he failed. What a shame so many people went without pay for NOTHING.

[waffles]

President caved. He says he'll use executive authority to do it they don't fund it next month.

He said that for the last month too.

So why didn't he just use executive authority already? Why drag out the fight? If it's an emergency, get it done now. He needs to stop the threats and just finish the fight. I can't believe he went through the last month and came out with NOTHING but the same old threat..

I'ma do it.

No really guys, I'ma do it!

Seriously, don't test me, I'ma do it!!!

Ok, you can have what you want now, but if you don't give me what I want later, I'm seriously gonna do it this time. I'm serious guys, don't test me.

They already tested him and he failed. What a shame so many people went without pay for NOTHING.


I'll preface this by saying I'm not a Trump fan, nor am I a wall fan.

I think the reason this came up now, instead of during a time when the GOP controlled the house and senate, is that Trump knows this is a huge issue for his base and does him more good as an issue than as a completed promise. I'd also mention how many people are blaming this shutdown on the democrats, despite Trump himself going on TV and claiming responsibility preemptively for any shutdown that happened. I really don't think he will suffer any blowback for the suffering of employees going without pay, he was able to get people in a frenzy again about the wall (on both sides), and he can go back to his base showing how hard he fought for his wall, but those mean old democrats wouldn't back down. I would be very curious to see whether or not he actually tries the emergency angle, and if so whether it goes through or is quickly tied up in the courts.

[hollohas]

I would be very curious to see whether or not he actually tries the emergency angle, and if so whether it goes through or is quickly tied up in the courts.

Even if he did that and it did get tied up in court, at least then he would have followed through on his threat.

No one takes a man seriously if he's known for empty threats. Why would anyone not just tell him to eff off in the next "negotiation" when they know that if they push back enough he'll just give in. He blew it.

[Gman]

So I'm hoping Deranged Pelosi caves soon.

Nah. Trump will cave first.

[StagLefty]

I'm still puzzled why the Republicans waited 2 years to go for the wall especially after they lost the mid term ?

[Great-Kazoo]

I'm still puzzled why the Republicans waited 2 years to go for the wall especially after they lost the mid term ?

Same reason the D's under obama with a majority did nothing (thankfully) about gun control. Like they threatened to.


Politics.


It's never been about getting things done, since Bush II. It's become a blame game of who didn't support the opposing teams ideas.
Throw in a R party who's still butthurt an outsider won.
Honestly, that's the shame of all this shit today. IMO there's a legislature full of McCain's and Flakes.

[GilpinGuy]

It's the ass clown circus. I hear this every time I watch the news or read about politics:

https://youtu.be/6HV1B2CpAaQ