During the government shutdown, the streets seemed empty. Many government employees stayed inside, trying to figure out how to pay their bills since their checks would not be issued. I did not sell any papers.
The shutdown caused a lot of concern for business and government employees. The federal workers, who might not get paid on time, thought they would have to pay late fees for bills that would become overdue. Many may have feared eviction. Their confidence in the government was substantially shaken.
The reason for the shutdown is probably sound. No one is going to respect a country that can be illegally manipulated. American citizens must be protected, knowing who is living here and for what reason.
There will always be illegal aliens here, but fences could keep the country from being overrun with them and thereby protect the jobs of those who are here legally.
Even with fences, people who really wanted to come to the United States could come through Canada, use false identification to board a plane or ship, or dig a tunnel. People who were determined would still come, but a wall could reduce the problem.
A lot of positive things are happening here in the United States. Women and minorities are getting jobs. Our economy is strong and there are programs to help the elderly with mortgage payments and credit card debt.
Still, future shutdowns should include a budget for the period of the projected shutdown. It would have been better to have extended the budget through March so that all employees could have been secure, knowing that they would have money for their needs–including food and medicines–during the shutdown.
