Government Shutdown: Is it Worth It? (Jesse B.)

1/8/2019

The American government, as of January 8, 2018, is shutdown over President Donald Trump’s campaign promise of building a border wall between Mexico and the United States. This shutdown began on December 22, 2018 and has left thousands of government employees without a job and even more without a paycheck. Approximately 380,000 federal workers have been placed on unpaid leave while an additional 420,000 employees have been required to work without pay. Examples of the “essential” people that have to work are FBI and Secret Service agents. In response, some TSA agents in major airports called in “sick” in protest this non-paid work.

The proposed $5.7 billion required to fund the project has led many in Washington to dig in for the long haul. President Trump stated that he might continue the government closure for months or even years if no agreement is reached between the Republicans and Democrats in Washington. In an attempt to gain public support for the bill, President Trump gave an address to the nation on the reasons for building a wall and increasing border security. The speech is linked below.

So, what do you have to say about Washington grinding to a halt? How should this be dealt with? Should the top priority be to secure our borders or does that money need to go into other facets of the government or something else?

President Trump’s Address: https://www.politico.com/video/2019/01/08/president-trumps-full-oval-office-address-067608

42 Comments

Sadie

1/13/2019 11:50:21 am

(off topic--This may be just because I do not often look into political news, but when I see the word "Washington" I associate it with the actual state, not Washington DC. It took me a second to figure it out.) Anyway, I think it is right to stand up against Trump. He is a bully and does not deserve to get whatever he wants. However, sooner or later, someone is going to give in and it will not be Trump. In my opinion, he is too stupid and stubborn for his own good. He refuses to take into account of what would actually happen if a wall was built. There are far bigger problems than some immigrants sneaking over. On the other hand, allowing them citizenship when they successfully cross over only encourages more to do the same. Get some stricter rules and regulations. Get better Border Control. It shouldn't be this complicated. Building a wall only puts us higher on a pedestal with a bigger target on our backs. Trump is also putting people out of jobs which is ridiculous. He doesn't understand that just maybe the public's opinion is important too. His closed-mind only allows him to believe that anyone who thinks otherwise is uneducated or doesn't know any better. Even if we didn't vote, does anyone seriously believe that any of our candidates were a good choice? Yes, we have right to complain. It's a mess that was just waiting to happen.

Rachel

1/13/2019 03:24:33 pm

I agree that a border wall is not the smartest idea and I like what you said about it putting a target on our backs. What do you think the money should be used for instead? I like the idea of stricter rules and regulations, because I think that those are going to be the most effective ways of allowing people in and out of the country. I also was reading about how the "$5.7 billion requested by President Trump would allow for the addition of about 234 miles of steel fencing to 580 miles already in place, leaving about 1,140 miles of the 1,954-mile long border still not fenced." That means that less than half the border would actually fenced... so what good is it really going to do?

This information was from https://www.thoughtco.com/government-shutdown-history-3368274

Kelsey

1/13/2019 01:24:28 pm

It is now the longest government shutdown in U.S history, congratulations Trump. I find it quite ironic how Trump shutdown the government to increase border security which shutdown the security that we already have - because border security is federally funded. Building a wall is asinine, and shutting down the government is even more so. A wall would not increase security or decrease drug trafficking. First of all, from March to October "U.S Customs and Border Protection encountered 6 terrorist suspects" from the Southern border and "91 terrorist suspects from the Northern border." When looked at comparatively, our Southern border is quite secure already. In Trump's presidential address he exaggerated the number of 6 suspects to 4,000. Secondly, all the drugs that are coming into this country are through ports of entry, so why not simply increase drug identification technology at these border crossings? I promise people are not packing backpacks full of drugs across the desert. Most people coming across the border are families escaping dangerous living conditions and government corruption in Guatemala or Honduras. In addition, the economic costs of the government shutdown far outweigh the 5 billion cost of building a wall. We could be using this money that is being lost due to the shutdown to increase border security technology which is outrageously more cost-effective than a wall! Not to mention all the Americans who are now out of work. With a large amount people not getting paid, our cash flow rates will go down which will also hurt every customer service job out there. Hopefully, Washington will start up again before we go into a deflationary spiral. (P.S, Trump's presidential address was full of logical fallacies, fear mongering, and was basically a restatement of old arguments.)
My facts came from NBC News, Time, and The New York Times.

Rachel

1/13/2019 03:32:42 pm

Wow Kels, I did not even think about the border security being shutdown as well, isn't that ironic. Andy and I were just talking about this, and he did point out though that many employees such as border security most likely, are working without pay at the moment. Thankfully, Congress passed a bill on the 11th ensuring that all unpaid workers would receive full back pay once the shutdown ends. But, it is still awful that so many people went through the Christmas season without their normal income because many of them count on that. What do you think that $5.7 billion that he is requesting should be used for instead? Do you think that we will ever solve the immigration problem? As your recent book project pointed out, it has been an issue for a long time, and I have a feeling that it will continue to be in the future unless we can work together to find a solution.

Kelsey

1/13/2019 08:09:28 pm

I think the $5.7 billion should be put towards better border technology and refugee shelters or sanctuaries where they can figure out their citizenship or work visas. Since immigration problems have been around for so long, I think it will continue to be a problem especially with the global growing population.

Sariah

1/13/2019 07:41:11 pm

I like that you are trying to find a solution that will be effective instead of one that is not. Why do you think immigrants coming from the southern border are not trying to become a citizen? Does it seem suspicious that they would not? They could be come one if they wanted. Do you think it is because the terms are to time consuming? Costly? Or honestly impossible for them?

Conrad

1/13/2019 07:47:23 pm

Because they didn't come legally at first, they would be deported if they went to become legal. They just want protection, and to bum off our government, not because they can want to be a part of our country.

Rachel

1/13/2019 03:14:16 pm

There have been 20 shutdowns in US History and the current one is the 21st. But, what I did not realize is that most of the shutdowns were for only one to four days. Currently it is day 23, with no end in sight and January 12th marks the day that this particular closure became the longest in history. In addition, this is the third time that the government has shut down during Trump's Presidency, another historical first. But, what I think many people do not realize is that federal shutdown means that not just Capitol Hill is closed, all government agencies are closed as well. This means the National Parks and Monuments for example, and the US Forest Service, which affects me directly because my dad is an employee. Although Congress passed a bill on January 11, to ensure that all unpaid federal employees would receive full back pay after the shutdown ended, my dad has still been off of work since December 22. I think that the shutdowns are embarrassing frankly, because they just highlight our leaders' inability to compromise and work together. As for the wall itself, I think that it is a ridiculous idea and I know that it will not solve the problems we are facing due to immigration. I also do not agree with how people are handled at our border. The reason that they are coming here in the first place is because the US is supposed to be a place of freedom, right? So isn't it horribly ironic that they are being locked up for trying to achieve that? I think that the enormous amount of money that Trump is requesting to build the wall should instead be used in the immigration department to help the people trying to enter, and to make the situation a little less painful for everyone involved.

Katarina

1/13/2019 07:09:27 pm

I think some type of border security is necessary. Although America is the land of the free people still have to be legally accepted as a citizen. It’s not fair to let ILLEGAL immigrants use government services and take jobs and other things away from legal immigrants and other citizens.

Brooke

1/13/2019 07:14:52 pm

You are absolutely right in the fact that this event is further proving our government's inability to solve a problem. I do not think we should use that money to help the incoming immigrants enter, but perhaps use it to aid their own country? A country itself is not problematic, people are, so why not attempt to find a way to have them stay? I do not know much about the conditions there, so I cannot tell them how to live or what to fix, but there has got to be something that could help them in their own country.

Sadie

1/13/2019 07:50:46 pm

Literally no one is surprised which is why its so embarrassing. We were all waiting for this to happen. He is so stuck in his ways that we can predict everything all his future moves. He isn't going to stop until he gets his way.

Sariah

1/13/2019 07:52:04 pm

Border control is sadly suppose to be strict and cautious. How are they suppose to trust someones word. It is strict not just coming into the United States but everywhere besides countries who could care less. We ask for safety and border control has to be strict if we want it. I have been held in a border control office all night because of past red flags that came up on one of my family members (this is when we were trying to enter Canada). This at first was annoying to me because I knew that there was nothing wrong or to worry about but now that I look back on it I am glad border control is so strict. It is for our protection. They have to be strict on everyone because if they are not then that one bad person could slip through.

Mckinlee

1/13/2019 07:55:53 pm

I definitely believe that the money should be put towards immigration rather than the wall. You’re right that this country is supposed to be a beacon of freedom. The way that some people are coming into this country is not okay, but some do it because of how hard getting into the country is for them. There are others way to fix the problem than a wall.

Challis

1/13/2019 08:10:09 pm

This is ridiculous and totally unfair towards your dad and so many others. Embarrassing does not even begin to describe this whole situation. Trump needs to think more about the people below him rather than himself.

Kenna

1/13/2019 06:15:40 pm

I do not think that shutting down the government is the right answer for the problem. The amount of people not getting paid us terrible and the fact that some still have to work is stupid. This does not seem to be the smartest way to get people on your side either. It doesn't seem like the people who are not getting paid will want to support Trump because of this. I do think that stricter border security would be beneficial but the government needds to agree on a plan and shutting down the government was not the right one.

Katarina

1/13/2019 07:02:33 pm

I agree. I see where he is coming from but he may be making it worse on himself in the long run. Border security is important but there must be another option.

Brooke

1/13/2019 07:21:47 pm

Yes, shutting down the government with no end in sight is unnecessary. It is basically turning into a standoff of who will win, rather than trying to solve the actual problem at hand. This is not going to win any of the publics' hands, it will simply make them curl into fists.

Conrad

1/13/2019 07:49:08 pm

Our borders do need tighter security, and you are also right the shutdown is wrong. We need to take wasted money from other places such as welfare and other inefficient organizations.

Katarina

1/13/2019 07:01:12 pm

I think at some point whether the wall gets funded or not a compromise must be made. Maybe partially funding or something. I don’t think it’s fair that government workers are laid off when they have no say. I do think some type of border security is necessary however I don’t think other aspects of security should be jeapordized due to the government shut down. A compromise should be made and should be made soon. Another government entity that has people in a panic is wealthfair recipients, WIC and other aid. These programs only have funding for so long and some people don’t understand that. I’m afraid if the government is shut down much longer there might be a nation wide panic just for the recipients of those programs.

Saylor

1/13/2019 07:47:21 pm

I agree, some kind of compromise needs to be made. A nationwide panic would not be good. For all the families depending on the government, they should figure out their leadership skills and find some sort of compromise. Before society spirals out of control.

Jesse B.

1/13/2019 07:48:46 pm

I had no idea about the government aid recipients not getting any of their money. I could definitely see a panic issuing if this government shutdown is not resolved. There are too many aspects of the United States that are run by the government for us to remain a functional nation. You say that a compromise should be made, what would you propose that compromise to be?

Challis

1/13/2019 08:12:35 pm

Yes some type of border security is necessary, but putting so many people out of a job is not okay. I can definitely agree there needs to be a compromise somewhere but I am not completely sure where.

Brooke

1/13/2019 07:03:42 pm

The reason for building this wall is not for the physical border, I believe. For Trump, it is his way of saying "out of sight, out of mind." If we cannot see what is happening beyond the wall, perhaps the public will cool down. Or so he hopes. If there is a wall, immigrants will not be our problem for any longer. This wall is not keeping immigrants out, it is keeping the public eye in. Or so he hopes. We all know how radical Trump is, and I for one believe he will not give up until his standards are met. He was quoted saying "I have plans to end this shutdown as soon as the Democrats come back from their vacations." Who knows how this standoff will turn out, everyone seems to have made up their mind. It is a ridiculous situation, really, and is causing more problems than solutions. I do think the regulations for incoming immigrants should become more strict, a lot more strict, but a wall? One thing is for sure, this event is sure to go down as history--whether it turn out for the best or for the worst.

Mckinlee

1/13/2019 07:46:35 pm

I never considered how Trump sees this border. I love this idea and think it makes perfect sense! What regulations do you think would be appropriate for immingrants? (Other than the ones we currently have)

Saylor

1/13/2019 07:50:58 pm

That's a great point, trump hopes that this will fix all of our problems. What happens when he does go through with this wall, and the entire system falls apart? Honestly I believe he is spending too much time and energy on the wall, when people are going to find a way around it like they already do now. Maybe it will actually work and all of this conflict will be for no reason.

Conrad

1/13/2019 07:53:17 pm

As odd as it sounds, the amount that would be spend on this wall is peanuts compared to what the government really spends. It is a political battle, it would not be a big deal to fund this wall. There are more people to blame for this shutdown than Trump himself. Whoever's blame it is, people need to be sent back to work and then have the problems figured out after. Unfortunately going back never works because the situation isn't pressing, the legislators will just ignore what needs to happen.

Sariah

1/13/2019 07:36:11 pm

I have not researched enough on this topic to understand fully what I believe is correct considering building a wall or not. I do believe it is common sense on shutting down the government. It makes no sense that citizens who devoutly work for the government are being punished. It affects even our small town here in Salmon. I feel like shutting down the government was not the effective way to get results obviously. The wall situation has not been working and is still not working therefore I think President Trump should take a different approach. I do think we need to crack down on illegal immigrants because it is in fact prevalent in our society. It is even in little Salmon, Idaho. I am not saying all illegal immigrants are bad I just think we need to establish a more efficient way for people who need to immigrate here can.

Kelsey

1/13/2019 08:12:54 pm

I agree, there needs to be a better way. What different approach do you think Trump should take? It is crazy how many people are affected by this shutdown.

McKinlee

1/13/2019 07:40:28 pm

I feel like the shutdown was kind of stupid, especially over the wall. The wall is a dumb idea in itself but to shutdown the government over it? The amount of being not being paid because of this shutdown is ridiculous. I feel that there were better ways to deal with this rather than just throwing a fit and turning off the government.

Katherine

1/13/2019 07:51:03 pm

I agree, i feel like he is acting very childish over this. Since he’s not getting his way he’s making thousands suffer. I agree that the wall is dumb

Jazz

1/13/2019 08:29:03 pm

I agree that the wall itself is a dumb idea. Throwing a fit is the PERFECT description for this situation, and I think almost any other choice would have been better because of how many have been negatively affected so far.

Saylor

1/13/2019 07:43:41 pm

Shutting down the government shouldn't be a solution no matter what. There are families that are in a crisis because the government shuts down. We need the government and when they shut down how are we supposed to manage? If they're trying to get more people on their side for funding or whatever they're trying to accomplish, this is not the way. If the wall not being funded is this big of a deal why bother causing so much conflict? If shutting down the government is their way of "managing" their conflict, they should not be in charge. Good leaders should be able to compromise and find the best solution with the least amount of conflict. Trump is too stubborn to ever give up. Even if his ideas are completely ridiculous. They should be able to work out what is going on, if it's for funding or whatever they're arguing about next.

Katherine

1/13/2019 07:52:50 pm

It truly is sad that he’s making families suffer while he throws his fit. There are people that were living paycheck to paycheck and now they don’t have one. A leader should not be doing that to the country, they should compromise.

Sadie

1/13/2019 07:55:53 pm

To Trump, if something doesn't go exactly to his plan, it's a complete failure. It either works or it doesn't. He won't compromise because he sees it as a failure. He's acting like a spoiled child and needs to grow up. Although, the democrats who are against him need to be willing to make a compromise too.

Kenna

1/13/2019 07:56:39 pm

Our leaders need to work together to solve the country's problems. Also this is deffinatly not the right way to gain supporters for the wall if that is Trump's plan. They need to be able to work together.

Conrad

1/13/2019 07:44:17 pm

I don't believe it is the right thing to keep the government shut down for such a long time. There is simply too many people suffering from this, and how little it is solving. On the opposite side, our borders do need to be protected, there are too many coming over that don't deserve it. The only ones that do are those who do it legally. Whats even worse, is that no matter how many show up, they always get protection from the media who are screaming bloody murder about what is happening, not because they care, but because they want their money. If anyone could see how illegals are affecting the US negatively, they would open to the border wall, recently even Obama spoke in agreement with Trump about protecting our borders. Now hurting those who work by shutting down the government is also not right. The government should be funded, then work on reducing budgets (like the Forest Service) and reducing welfare to find funding for this wall.

Kenna

1/13/2019 07:52:10 pm

I agree, Conrad. We do need to protect our borders. There is a reason illegal immigrants are called illegal. They don't come over with permision. If people saw the negative side effects than there would be action.

Jesse B.

1/13/2019 07:59:33 pm

You say that the only people that deserve to come into our country are those who do it legally, which is true to an extent, but do you know how difficult it is to get into this country? I know family who lived in Mexico and she is a practiced doctor and of high standing in the country. Even then, it has taken her years and thousands of dollars for her to get her Green Card. I believe that funding should be diverted into revamping the entire immigration policy and process. I really do like how you propose an idea on how we can fund the wall by diverting certain funds from other government entities.

Katherine

1/13/2019 07:47:53 pm

I don’t think that building a better wall is the answer. They have proven that they can’t even handle the border we have now. Two children died in December while being held. If they can’t handle that, how much worse would it get with a bigger wall? It is also not fair to the people, like Rachel said, who work in the BLM or the forest service. These people are getting shut out for something they haven’t had a part in. I personally disagree with the the wall and I do not think that it’s the answer for the “problems”

Jazz

1/13/2019 08:30:40 pm

How do you think the wall would be managed? If the shutdown continues for years as Trump says it could, what do you think the outcome would be?

Challis

1/13/2019 08:04:35 pm

Personally, I feel like I do not have enough information to have an enforced opinion on this subject. Why did Trump have to shut down the government in order to make his wall? I do not think he had the right to take away that many jobs. A wall is not going to solve much and I do not think it is worth getting that many jobs taken away.

Jazz

1/13/2019 08:27:03 pm

I don’t see any gain from keeping the government shut down for so long. What benefits does it even have? What does it solve? I believe that drawn out shutdowns cause more harm than good. Essential government workers are finding any way to avoid their work and I would too if I wasn’t being paid for my services. Even if they are going to be paid for their work after the shutdown, they still need an income right now. This a ludicrous solution if it can even be called such.

Government Shutdown: Is it Worth It? (Jesse B.)

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