If you had any doubt...

[generalmeow]

About if the republicans are serious about this shutdown:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013...shutdown-ends/

Passed unanimously. Why in the hell would we pay people for not working? All these federal workers are now on a paid vacation, thanks to republicans.

Do you get paid when you don't work?

If you're not an essential federal employee, not only do I think you shouldn't get paid to not work, I don't think you should have a job with the federal government, period.

republicans are for big and wasteful government. Time for the party to go away. You're either a "tea partier", or you're a liberal.

[stoner01]

I want a paid vacation...

[cstone]

Where have you been for the last 17 federal shutdowns?

Every time the federal government has been shut down, the non-essential employees always get back pay. EVERY TIME!

60% of federal employees are considered essential and 40% are considered non-essential. There is a vague notion about why some employees are or are not essential, but it has never made any sense to me who is and who is not. I often wish I was non-essential. I would like a paid vacation without using my leave.

The SecDef just recalled over 300k non-essential federal DOD employees. This had nothing to do with a budget or CR being passed. Hagel just did it. I guess because he wanted to.

If the Senate and the President cared about getting the rest of the government back to work, all they have to do is accept a budget without funding for the ACA. So who shut down the government?

The President of the United States.

[generalmeow]

Nothing says fiscally responsible like "we believe you're not necessary, and we know you're not working, but you're very valuable and were going to pay you anyways." Something tells me republicans have no intention of shrinking the size of government. Duh.

[cstone]

Nothing says fiscally responsible like "we believe you're not necessary, and we know you're not working, but you're very valuable and were going to pay you anyways." Something tells me republicans have no intention of shrinking the size of government. Duh.

And the Democrats do?

I will go with the party that at least wants to defund parts of the government and government services like Obamacare. I will go with the party (at least for the moment) that is still working on trying to fund most of the government while the Democrats point fingers and use the willing media to blame others for their failures.

Here is an interesting read on Who Shut Down the Government:

http://townhall.com/columnists/thoma...6292/page/full

[generalmeow]

And the Democrats do?

I will go with the party that at least wants to defund parts of the government and government services like Obamacare. I will go with the party (at least for the moment) that is still working on trying to fund most of the government while the Democrats point fingers and use the willing media to blame others for their failures.

Here is an interesting read on Who Shut Down the Government:

http://townhall.com/columnists/thoma...6292/page/full

If republicans want to defund parts of the government, why would they jump at the chance to pay people retroactively who have been defunded?

it was already done. Non essential employees were already defunded. Republicans voted unanimously to fund them.

democrats and republicans want large government.

if republican politicians are against obamacare, it's for one reason *rubs fingers together*

[streetglideok]

One thing that is not really clear intentionally/unintentionally is the definition of non-essential staff. Without knowing that, it is hard to make a clear judgement about these people's jobs. Some of these people were dragged into a senseless, and retarded schoolyard brawl, and are not working as a result. I'm sure some of them really could stand to have their job cut, but many others do important things. The republicans are looking to shore up support from these people, and try not to make them victims to standing for what they believe in. It's small beans money wise compared to what obamacare will cost us. Right now we need obamacare funding cut, or axed completely, and no raising of the debt ceiling. Obama rather talk to terrorists and fellow dictators that work out a deal. His party is following him rank and file.... for now. The village idiot is trying to make us all suffer by issuing orders to block off views of Mt Rushmore, and banning access to open area parks, and even trying to run us out of oceanic waters. That stupid stuff is costing more than just leaving the stuff open. It's a temper tantrum plain and simple. Its Obama who has made this mess, and he shoulders the blame alone. MSNBC, the liberals, and Obama would love nothing more than to make people think its the republicans fault for this mess. If this drags out for months(doubtful), it will be the effects of his orders to close sites down that will lead to the democrat party's collapse in 2014, or will lead to some nastier protests than what we have seen this week.

[cstone]

As Republicans and Democrats have done each and every one of the last 17 times the government was shut down.

Paying the non-essential federal employees for their non-scheduled vacations is a bipartisan issue. This time the Republicans got to it first. It is a PR move to show they are not holding the individual employees responsible for the failures of Congress and the President.

This is not about the shutdown or who will fix the country. This is about control. Either the President can lead and the Congress will follow, or someone else will step up and lead and the Congress will follow. I don't know about you, but I have never been impressed by President Obama's leadership ability.

[Squeeze]

Both sides are to blame for this nonsense. I'm all for cleaning house from top to bottom and starting over with men & women who still believe in our Constitution and the American people. Not sure there are many in politics with those views anymore.

[cstone]

Both sides are to blame for this nonsense. I'm all for cleaning house from top to bottom and starting over with men & women who still believe in our Constitution and the American people. Not sure there are many in politics with those views anymore.

Are you calling for a new Constitutional Convention?

How would you accomplish your goal of replacing every politician? Something about a baby and the bathwater comes to mind.

We are a divided nation led by divided leaders. The best thing we can hope for is a compromise that makes everyone unhappy.

Be safe.