I am not about talking politics on this blog, but things change, so hold on to your hat for this post. If you are here to read something funny try this post or this one, otherwise, here goes…
The American Government is frustrating and frankly the last weeks and months of this “Government Shutdown” discussion makes me crazy (pardon the pun) Postal mad.
My husband, like many others in this country, is a very hard worker, but he internalizes too much and sometimes his work drives him to the point of zero sleep and the emergency room, like it did last month.
Since the “Government Shutdown” talks all began David has been very worried about the fact that his job fell under the “you are on furlough” and don’t get paid list. He has been careful not to use sick or vacation time, and our family spending has decreased in anticipation of this possible shutdown. David’s co-workers asked questions during their weekly meetings the last few months, and no real information was given except that David and his co-workers would not be allowed to enter the building during the impending shutdown.
Just as if we had just bought a new car, and suddenly noticed every car driving down the street that was the same as ours, every time the news had a headline of “Government Shutdown” ours ears perked up and we took notice. This subject became part of our nightly discussion. I began reading things on news sites regarding who is interfering with the agreements, and what their major issues were. Opposition to Planned Parenthood, who supplies breast cancer screenings and birth control pills to uninsured women all because of the abortion issue? Seriously? Family members who lost a loved one during combat will not receive death gratuities because a couple of morons can’t come to an agreement over an organization that supports women’s health? That...makes...me...crazy mad. I have made no attempt to hide my political affiliation, and am quite underwhelmed by the idiocy of the so-called representatives. Like other Americans I am shocked to be reminded that whilst Military personnel may not be paid for their full service, and hourly employees at places like National Parks and other Government agencies, congress (who can’t get their crap together in agreement) will continue to be paid without interruption so they can pay their bills.
Yesterday David came home from work (after an 11 hour day) and informed me that his employer told them that if they worked during the shutdown, even from home, they would be fined. Greatly. There was to be NO WORK done. No emails sent, even under personal accounts, or heads would roll. David’s ideas of bringing work and supplies home suddenly changed.
This morning, David woke at 4:30 a.m. and ran into work so he could get the most out of his (possible) last day of work. He worked like a dog all day. Just after 5pm I called him to ask if he needed me to drop some dinner by or if we should just eat without him. David picked up the phone and said he was just e-mailing me a letter the staff had just received from his boss. Apparently after all these months of worry and preparation, at 5 p.m. on the day of the shutdown, David is informed that he is NOT affected, but his boss is.
This is wonderful news for us, but it still does not change my current distaste for our government and it’s lame ability to make decisions that effect it’s constituents.
