As the government fails to coordinate a solution to the budget gaps the livelihood of 750,000 federal employees is put at risk. Courtesy | U.S. Marine Corp
The halls of Congress go dark once again as national parks close their doors across the country. Since 1976, the government has faced 20 budget gaps, resulting in 10 government ‘shutdowns.’ As of this week, President Donald Trump has been responsible for three of them. We need change, and we need it now.
As of Oct. 3, a third vote to provide temporary funding for the government has failed. The shutdown left many wondering what happened. It’s simple really — partisanship is the root cause. Both Democrats and Republicans keep blaming each other for the shutdown instead of working together.
Both parties have used this shutdown to push their agendas. Democrats are pushing for extensions on subsidies from Obamacare, ‘a government health care program,’ while President Trump has openly threatened Democrats with harsh retaliation, claiming that he will continue to fire government employees if the shutdown continues.
Due to this standoff, over 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed, and even more ‘essential’ employees are left working and wondering when and how they’ll get paid. Agencies are left barely staying afloat and face new threats of additional firings.
This recent shutdown is only one of the many recent unprecedented events, which have become the norm in the last year.
These include the mass deportations, rising political violence and the deployment of the National Guard as a sort of private police enforcing the new regime’s policy.
Time and time again, the real issue is partisanship. Democrats and Republicans can’t agree on anything, and the American people are left to choose between the lesser of two evils every single election. In fact, according to a recent GALLUP poll, only 29% of Americans are satisfied with the direction of the country. This would be a failing grade for the government of the ‘world’s most powerful nation.’
And the head of this government, the self-proclaimed ‘leader of the free world,’ has an approval rating of 40%.
Congress is failing the American people; bills are gridlocked because of party lines and petty politics. It doesn’t matter whether one is Republican, Democrat or Independent; we have an issue, and we need to address it. We need reform.
Another major problem is the rise of the MAGA movement.
It has begun to resemble a fascist regime, openly utilizing the dictator’s playbook. Its leaders use fear and division, turning everyday Americans against ‘the other.’
By dehumanizing immigrants and Democrats alike, they push a narrative of the ‘good Christian American,’ using so-called ‘true American ideals’ as a rallying cry to justify unprecedented policies and crush all opposition.
Going back in time to an idealistic past cannot and will not work.
Even worse, President Trump continues to issue blatantly unconstitutional executive orders.
Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard in the streets of LA and the nation’s capital. Trump has time and time again threatened his political adversaries and uses religion as a weapon. Trump has openly called Democrats and any person who doesn’t agree with him ‘the enemy.’
When the chief executive of our country participates in divisive and hostile rhetoric, it’s clear that our people are far from united. Regardless of what your political beliefs are, extreme partisanship poses a threat to us all.