Depending on your point of view, the United States and the United Kingdom can be seen as great bastions of liberal democracy, progress, and freedom; or imperial powers struggling to hold on to the power and wealth accumulated largely through colonialism and war.
Either way, the rest of the world looks on in curiosity as the governments of these once great nations decide to disengage from hard-won international treaties and agreements, put their fingers in their ears to economic realities and begin to build walls around themselves, now that they aren't allowed to just take from everyone else anymore.
But while Donald Trump stokes nonsensical fear of terrorist hordes, flooding over the border to justify his precious wall for 'national security,' people are finding themselves in real and present danger due to the government shutdown he has called to get his way. Hundreds of thousands of government workers are being stood down or are working without pay, including those critical to the safety of air passengers, such as airport security workers and air traffic controllers.
The irony of it all would be hilarious if it weren't so serious. Scroll down below to see the actual, tangible ways that the shutdown is affecting the safety of Americans and let us know what you think in the comments. (Facebook cover image: iStock / MediaProduction)
This post may include affiliate links.
Trump is so contradictory, he says he wants to keep terrorism out of the US by building a wall yet he throws a tantrum and shuts down the government which means TSA workers could easily let a terrorist slip by because they can't monitor everyone when they're not getting paid
This should be illegal, no government should be allowed to hold its citizens hostage like this. Especially in jobserved which are a matter of national security.
Their collegues call in sick so that they can do other jobs to earn the money they need to pay their bills. But the Tangerine Turd doesn't care. Liked a spoiled little bratt he's clinging on to his idea of having a useless wall.
most are calling sick in order to not get in trouble by just not showing up.
This is so disgusting and embarrassing. I cant wait until our countrymen can have some dignity again in the world....everyone either hates us now, pities us, or is laughing at us. I feel so "Great" right now :-/ 2020!!!!!! It can not come fast enough, I have talked to so many people that hardly ever vote, but they said they will certainly be in line at the polls in '20 to get this incompetent embarrassment OUT OF HERE...
How can a government force people to work and not pay them, perhaps for months?
It's not, but people can't afford to even get to their place of work. Your president should not be allowed to hold his citizens hostage.
Guys, Oliver Queen has got you! On a more serious note, though, it's great of him to understand the problems TSA workers are having right now instead of getting mad about the wait like mos people would.
Caddie de Luka, maybe then something will he done to end this situation
I don't understand how this IDIOT Trump, does not see that he is only hurting people that probably voted for him in the first place. There is no need to stop peoples paychecks when you Want, not need, to get your way with this wall. As an American it is a shame for me to say that my president is Trump. I feel bad for those forced to work without pay.
Wow.. no words. This is simply disgusting. I'm pretty sure this wouldn't fly over here. People be on strike before the government knows what hit them.
This government shutdown thing in the US is completely ridiculous. A loophole in the laws. To be consequent, they would need to shut down the airports like they shut down the national parks. If you do not come to work, you do not get paid. It must be the other way around, too. Fighting political wars on the back of underpaid members of society is not only absurd, it is depicable.
Look at these lazy liberal snowflakes. They think they deserve pay for an honest days work. Its always me me me with these guys.
TRAVEL NOTICE: r/The_Donald (subreddit) found this post and is brigading. That’s why a lot of informed comments are being downvoted. This is the only way the Trump supporters are able to get upvotes. By gathering the few people they have, making multiple accounts and clicking away.
People need to protest... Of course I can only say this because I don't live in the United States but this is beyond anything I've ever seen
Absolutely disgusting, Throw a temper tantrum to get downpayment for stupid wall to secure border but not paying border security to secure borders for a month now... Nothing makes sense. I feel sorry for every single one of those who are forced to 'work' for nothing, what happened to putting people first?
I'll bet if the shutdown resulted in the Orange Twat's Secret Service detail not getting paid and leaving him unprotected he'd end his b******t pretty darn quickly! Think of it - all those angry Americans being able to confront him in person...
I think this is another nail in Trumpy's coffin. Let's hope it is the final one.This minimal security is worrying - golden oportunity for potential terrorist action.
I don't understand America. Do you not have unions or anything there? Under no circumstances should you be "forced" to go to work when you're not being paid. The airports and the airlines need you a hell of a lot more than you need them.
And according to Trump, this could last for months or years....This is completely ridiculous!
How long until that american "president" says the Berlin Wall was a great idea?
If politicians would also not get paid, and taxes would not be collected, this shut down would be over much quicker. Trump can easily hold out any politician.
To all those effected by the shut down: REMEMBER WHAT YOU ARE FEELING AND EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW. 2020 IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER AND 2019 IS JUST A PREP YEAR TO TAKE ACTION! Get this idiot out of office and permanently out of commission as well. WE have the power to make this happen!! #28thamendment
Wow, that sucks. Those poor people. I knew that orange slime would ruin this country
Hey, shoutout to trump . just becuase you are a self centered (and quite orange) billionare, and don't really have to work beucase you have so much money... it dosent give you the right to take away other people's payments becuase they might need it for important things like food when you spend yours on like... personal jets. not cool there
Work without pay should be considered slavery if it's not voluntary or a training position with benefits. I agree that while he is concerned with the Mexico border he is letting potential terrorists have easier access to the US, and who suffers? Its the families and people he is withholding pay from, the citizens of USA and the travellers who are legitimately entering the US for holidays and to visit relatives. I can see it now... if there is a terrorist attack who will get the blame? Him?? I think not!!! He will blame the TSA because he likes to believe he is perfect and will never admit he is wrong, he is a complete narcissist and cannot even comprehend that the rest of the world thinks he is a complete nut job. I LOVE America, I LOVE the American people and I consider it a spiritual home (Especially New York). I just hope he wises up and realises just how much suffering he is causing, pays the people and backdates it. I won't hold my breath though :( he's ok he has Airforce One!
I’m in the airport right now, in San Juan PR. TSA agents seem to be in good spirit but baggage check is going fast and they aren’t screening people too hard. I even got flagged for additional screening and it went ten times faster than usual. People are nice but not paying much attention. It was like that flying in from DC too. They didn’t even scan us. At either airport.
...sooo just gonna put it out there - with all of the available guns in America, why hasn't someone shot Trump?
I would like to hear from those fools who voted for the IDIOT, how do you feel now !!!
I don't get it. The biggest economy in the world, huge technological advances, tesla, spacex, facebook and apple. And still that country relies on a ridiculously huge army of underpaid (currently not paid) bag inspectors. Millions waiste long hours just to get into f*****g airport. Can't you think of a better way to check for explosives in the bags?
Some say that democratic monarchies are better protected against coups than countries with a president. That would be because if you forcefully take over the government in a monarchy, you end up with all the hard work and none of the glory. Trump seems to believe that he is not the president of the USA but rather the king/tsar/emperor of his domain, unfettered and free to rule as he fancies. This is worse than weird, it is dangerous.
The Coast Guard is also not getting paid. The Boston Food Bank has started sending food down to the Guard employees so they have something. And POTUS says that he can relate? He has never needed a dime since the day he was spawned. Gawd, I hate that man for doing this to people!
So; half the US wants to f**k over poor mexican people and the other half don't. So the first half decides to f**k over poor Americans instead until they get their way? What a horrible country! Just like the UK really...
I cannot wrap my Australian brain around one person having the power to hold a country hostage like this. If this was happening here, we'd have had a leadership spill by now! It is simply awful not knowing when the next paycheck is coming.
And you know that, at this very moment, Trump and his band of morons are feverishly trying to think of a way to declare a national emergency because of the lack of security in airports, and somehow tie it to wall funding. And they'll find one. It will be stupid and flagrantly dishonest, but when has that ever stopped them?
I feel bad for the people not getting paid BUT I have a feeling none of this will result in any changes, and people will vote for that orange monster yet again at the next election xD
Obama did the same thing for 16 days. Why is it such a big deal when Trump does it?
You need to know that a bill was proposed to pay the government workers, but it did not get enough votes so it did not pass. Those that did not vote for it were Dems.
It isn't only TSA... it's the national parks, federal reserves, social security... i just found out that those recieving food stamps just got their LAST deposit and then they won't get anything any more... how are these kids supposed to eat?
Let’s all say it now, B͈̖̜͉̖̹e̥̪̱̠i̮̦͕͍̥̫͎n͔̘̝g͙ ̺ͅf̖̭͈̩͕̙̬or̗̱̙͓͇̗ͅc̰̝̞͕e̥̪̻̝̲d̥̞̻ ͙̲͔ṱ̭̳̥̭ͅo̤ ̞̹̣͉̲̠̘w͇̞̹o̹͙̤ͅrk͈͚̮̞ ̼w̺i͇̪̘̼͚ͅͅṭ̜͍͇͙̺ͅh͈͓̠o̟̝u͉̝̗̻̫̫t̰̞̺̰̰̠ p̥̙̥̥̪̮͇aỵ͔̦̜ i̭̝̟͙s͓̠͙̩͓ s̤̪͇͚̙̙͚l̜̼̗̤̲͚̼a̘v͇̹e̪̳̮̰͔r̝y̩.̮̺͎͍̗̣̘
With this going on I think all passengers should tip the TSA $1.00 to $5.00 a passenger. This would help them... then you can thank them
I like the words of that one TSA person. “F**k the orange guy.” He is ruining many people’s lives by keeping the government hostage. He is spending more money shutting down all of this than if he just agreed with a budget. It will take longer for all the government functions to start back up again and months for them to get back on track. I have to live every day in fear that my dad (who works in one of the few government functions that are still functioning) will loose his job and my family will become homeless or struggle for money. The national parks that are a treasure to society and an important part of history are being trashed by teens breaking into them and destroying them. All this for what? A wall. Pfttt. One wall isn’t worth bringing the whole country down.
It still surprises me that Trump was voted President. The whole world knew that was a very bad idea. Did Americans did not see these or didn't want to see? Or was corruption involved? :(
Trump shuts down a part of the government Employees does nothing Trump Pikachu-5c...60-png.jpg
This is just terrible. What other areas of government are also affected? I do have a question. Why can't the TSAs be paid by the airport? At least temporarily? It is in the airports interest to keep passengers safe and moving.
Not from the USA: I really don't understand how a shutdown and not paying wages can be legal! I am working for my government although I would earn more money outside because of payment-and work-SAFETY. Really don't get it...I feel with the workers and I am so curious if Trump will get elected a second time...
I was doing a research and there was a nice article (from Google results preview) that had the right answers I needed. It happened that the article, on the Geology of The Great Lakes, was hosted by NOAA or something. Clicking on the link and I get a SHUTDOWN message that the site is out due to Government Shutdown. And Here I was in Kenya thinking I cannot be affected by the TRUMP GOV'T SHUTDOWN...GaDDAMNIT!!!
Thank you orange. The white house is being taken over by Putin's puppet!
I really feel for them. As a vet ive gone my fair share having to work during a shutdown. If it was just me whatever but im a single parent. Disgusting behavior.
Trump says he'S soooo concerned about terrorists, drug smugglers, illegal activity. And yet HE CHOSE TO CREATE unsafe situations at our airports... less and less security / screening / stopping illegal activity at our airports. This "MAN" never makes sense.
I wonder what Trump's followers think of all this? Do they think, 'good for him, sticking to his guns, f*****g up the airport security just to show he's really serious about the wall to stop the Mexicans'? I really do wonder.
Please tip the TSA guys at least $1..at least they can have coffee.....
Meowton your opinion reminds me of an old sayimg. Something about 2 things everyone has. One is an opinion. The other is.......
What "president" Wannabe Dumpy Trumpy has done is absolutely disgusting. But Americans carry on. I respect them and applaud them for that. But there comes a point. And that point is coming soon. We are already reading of people unable to work because they do not have the cash to get gas to be able to go to work. Personally, I am waiting for the airport staff to turn round and finally admit "Well FU*K YOU president Trump - this is what happens when your airports can't operate so F*ck YOU". Why work when you are not being paid? What stupid idiots would accept that? STOP WORKING IF YOU ARE NOT BEING PAID to show the D******D what power you have and how you can cripple the country if he carries on. I want to go to Walt Disney World. But No one at the airport means I can't go. (Just an example). This impulsive government shutdown caused by a baby having a temper tantrum is just ridiculous, stupid, childish, and makes the so called "presidency" of the United States an absolute laughing stock
This happened for many times already and not just under Trump... no news here. Thank the liberals for this mess!
Oh FFS, government shutdowns predate Donald Trump. Stop acting like this is unprecedented. It's something idiot politicians do, not simply "Orange man bad".
People are so ignorant of the TRUE Facts! The Democrats have voted for what Trump wants in years past (it's a small amount compared to other items) But they are the ones being childish and playing politics won't even discuss it when meetings are called!?
My question is not "why is this happening." My question is "why does this seem to happen every year? Why is the American government so broken that it shuts itself down every time the Republican party gets its feelings hurt? Why does this keep happening with increasing frequency and length?"
I'm reading this while watching a documentary about dictatorships, and honestly, the parallels are kind of scary.
I really think those TSA workers should strike. No one should have a contract stating you are required to work without pay if the government shuts down. I think a strike liek that would really turn the tables on this whole thing.
Staff Member: "Mr. President, the TSA Employees are starving, what should we do?" Trump: "Let them eat cake!" Thus the revolution started...
If we could take away his access to using Air Force One to fly to Mar a Lago to play golf (154 times as of tday) and he had to deal with regular air transport it would end tomorrow. [btw- these trips to Florida have cost the taxpayers, even those who work for the TSA and FAA, around $84,000,000 ]
They are getting paid. Just later is all. It's called retroactive pay and it's happened every time we've had a shutdown of government which is 21 shutdowns since 1976 and the longest was under Bill Clinton. Obama had the last major one with a total of 16 days in 2013. Remember that one? People were actually fired in that one all because he weaponized the shutdown with the help of the democrats to push the republicans to the desk. It didn't work. Obama gave in. The people who don't show up for work or work to make excuses for their behavior will probably be fired like under Obama and Clinton and not be paid. https://www.thoughtco.com/government-shutdown-history-3368274
I am one of those government workers (not TSA) who has been deemed "essential". Thus I am at work, doing my job, and not getting paid. In actuality, I am working for the government, for free. If the government is going to "shut down" no one should be paid - to include all those in congress, house of reps, and the senate. I bet there would be a resolution really fast if they were not getting paid. >:(
I come from one s****y country and currently live in another, shittier country, but when I see what's possible in the World's biggest democracy and leading power, they seem much less s****y to me.
I don't understand how this IDIOT Trump, does not see that he is only hurting people that probably voted for him in the first place. There is no need to stop peoples paychecks when you Want, not need, to get your way with this wall. As an American it is a shame for me to say that my president is Trump. I feel bad for those forced to work without pay.
Wow.. no words. This is simply disgusting. I'm pretty sure this wouldn't fly over here. People be on strike before the government knows what hit them.
This government shutdown thing in the US is completely ridiculous. A loophole in the laws. To be consequent, they would need to shut down the airports like they shut down the national parks. If you do not come to work, you do not get paid. It must be the other way around, too. Fighting political wars on the back of underpaid members of society is not only absurd, it is depicable.
Look at these lazy liberal snowflakes. They think they deserve pay for an honest days work. Its always me me me with these guys.
TRAVEL NOTICE: r/The_Donald (subreddit) found this post and is brigading. That’s why a lot of informed comments are being downvoted. This is the only way the Trump supporters are able to get upvotes. By gathering the few people they have, making multiple accounts and clicking away.
People need to protest... Of course I can only say this because I don't live in the United States but this is beyond anything I've ever seen
Absolutely disgusting, Throw a temper tantrum to get downpayment for stupid wall to secure border but not paying border security to secure borders for a month now... Nothing makes sense. I feel sorry for every single one of those who are forced to 'work' for nothing, what happened to putting people first?
I'll bet if the shutdown resulted in the Orange Twat's Secret Service detail not getting paid and leaving him unprotected he'd end his b******t pretty darn quickly! Think of it - all those angry Americans being able to confront him in person...
I think this is another nail in Trumpy's coffin. Let's hope it is the final one.This minimal security is worrying - golden oportunity for potential terrorist action.
I don't understand America. Do you not have unions or anything there? Under no circumstances should you be "forced" to go to work when you're not being paid. The airports and the airlines need you a hell of a lot more than you need them.
And according to Trump, this could last for months or years....This is completely ridiculous!
How long until that american "president" says the Berlin Wall was a great idea?
If politicians would also not get paid, and taxes would not be collected, this shut down would be over much quicker. Trump can easily hold out any politician.
To all those effected by the shut down: REMEMBER WHAT YOU ARE FEELING AND EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW. 2020 IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER AND 2019 IS JUST A PREP YEAR TO TAKE ACTION! Get this idiot out of office and permanently out of commission as well. WE have the power to make this happen!! #28thamendment
Wow, that sucks. Those poor people. I knew that orange slime would ruin this country
Hey, shoutout to trump . just becuase you are a self centered (and quite orange) billionare, and don't really have to work beucase you have so much money... it dosent give you the right to take away other people's payments becuase they might need it for important things like food when you spend yours on like... personal jets. not cool there
Work without pay should be considered slavery if it's not voluntary or a training position with benefits. I agree that while he is concerned with the Mexico border he is letting potential terrorists have easier access to the US, and who suffers? Its the families and people he is withholding pay from, the citizens of USA and the travellers who are legitimately entering the US for holidays and to visit relatives. I can see it now... if there is a terrorist attack who will get the blame? Him?? I think not!!! He will blame the TSA because he likes to believe he is perfect and will never admit he is wrong, he is a complete narcissist and cannot even comprehend that the rest of the world thinks he is a complete nut job. I LOVE America, I LOVE the American people and I consider it a spiritual home (Especially New York). I just hope he wises up and realises just how much suffering he is causing, pays the people and backdates it. I won't hold my breath though :( he's ok he has Airforce One!
I’m in the airport right now, in San Juan PR. TSA agents seem to be in good spirit but baggage check is going fast and they aren’t screening people too hard. I even got flagged for additional screening and it went ten times faster than usual. People are nice but not paying much attention. It was like that flying in from DC too. They didn’t even scan us. At either airport.
...sooo just gonna put it out there - with all of the available guns in America, why hasn't someone shot Trump?
I would like to hear from those fools who voted for the IDIOT, how do you feel now !!!
I don't get it. The biggest economy in the world, huge technological advances, tesla, spacex, facebook and apple. And still that country relies on a ridiculously huge army of underpaid (currently not paid) bag inspectors. Millions waiste long hours just to get into f*****g airport. Can't you think of a better way to check for explosives in the bags?
Some say that democratic monarchies are better protected against coups than countries with a president. That would be because if you forcefully take over the government in a monarchy, you end up with all the hard work and none of the glory. Trump seems to believe that he is not the president of the USA but rather the king/tsar/emperor of his domain, unfettered and free to rule as he fancies. This is worse than weird, it is dangerous.
The Coast Guard is also not getting paid. The Boston Food Bank has started sending food down to the Guard employees so they have something. And POTUS says that he can relate? He has never needed a dime since the day he was spawned. Gawd, I hate that man for doing this to people!
So; half the US wants to f**k over poor mexican people and the other half don't. So the first half decides to f**k over poor Americans instead until they get their way? What a horrible country! Just like the UK really...
I cannot wrap my Australian brain around one person having the power to hold a country hostage like this. If this was happening here, we'd have had a leadership spill by now! It is simply awful not knowing when the next paycheck is coming.
And you know that, at this very moment, Trump and his band of morons are feverishly trying to think of a way to declare a national emergency because of the lack of security in airports, and somehow tie it to wall funding. And they'll find one. It will be stupid and flagrantly dishonest, but when has that ever stopped them?
I feel bad for the people not getting paid BUT I have a feeling none of this will result in any changes, and people will vote for that orange monster yet again at the next election xD
Obama did the same thing for 16 days. Why is it such a big deal when Trump does it?
You need to know that a bill was proposed to pay the government workers, but it did not get enough votes so it did not pass. Those that did not vote for it were Dems.
It isn't only TSA... it's the national parks, federal reserves, social security... i just found out that those recieving food stamps just got their LAST deposit and then they won't get anything any more... how are these kids supposed to eat?
Let’s all say it now, B͈̖̜͉̖̹e̥̪̱̠i̮̦͕͍̥̫͎n͔̘̝g͙ ̺ͅf̖̭͈̩͕̙̬or̗̱̙͓͇̗ͅc̰̝̞͕e̥̪̻̝̲d̥̞̻ ͙̲͔ṱ̭̳̥̭ͅo̤ ̞̹̣͉̲̠̘w͇̞̹o̹͙̤ͅrk͈͚̮̞ ̼w̺i͇̪̘̼͚ͅͅṭ̜͍͇͙̺ͅh͈͓̠o̟̝u͉̝̗̻̫̫t̰̞̺̰̰̠ p̥̙̥̥̪̮͇aỵ͔̦̜ i̭̝̟͙s͓̠͙̩͓ s̤̪͇͚̙̙͚l̜̼̗̤̲͚̼a̘v͇̹e̪̳̮̰͔r̝y̩.̮̺͎͍̗̣̘
With this going on I think all passengers should tip the TSA $1.00 to $5.00 a passenger. This would help them... then you can thank them
I like the words of that one TSA person. “F**k the orange guy.” He is ruining many people’s lives by keeping the government hostage. He is spending more money shutting down all of this than if he just agreed with a budget. It will take longer for all the government functions to start back up again and months for them to get back on track. I have to live every day in fear that my dad (who works in one of the few government functions that are still functioning) will loose his job and my family will become homeless or struggle for money. The national parks that are a treasure to society and an important part of history are being trashed by teens breaking into them and destroying them. All this for what? A wall. Pfttt. One wall isn’t worth bringing the whole country down.
It still surprises me that Trump was voted President. The whole world knew that was a very bad idea. Did Americans did not see these or didn't want to see? Or was corruption involved? :(
Trump shuts down a part of the government Employees does nothing Trump Pikachu-5c...60-png.jpg
This is just terrible. What other areas of government are also affected? I do have a question. Why can't the TSAs be paid by the airport? At least temporarily? It is in the airports interest to keep passengers safe and moving.
Not from the USA: I really don't understand how a shutdown and not paying wages can be legal! I am working for my government although I would earn more money outside because of payment-and work-SAFETY. Really don't get it...I feel with the workers and I am so curious if Trump will get elected a second time...
I was doing a research and there was a nice article (from Google results preview) that had the right answers I needed. It happened that the article, on the Geology of The Great Lakes, was hosted by NOAA or something. Clicking on the link and I get a SHUTDOWN message that the site is out due to Government Shutdown. And Here I was in Kenya thinking I cannot be affected by the TRUMP GOV'T SHUTDOWN...GaDDAMNIT!!!
Thank you orange. The white house is being taken over by Putin's puppet!
I really feel for them. As a vet ive gone my fair share having to work during a shutdown. If it was just me whatever but im a single parent. Disgusting behavior.
Trump says he'S soooo concerned about terrorists, drug smugglers, illegal activity. And yet HE CHOSE TO CREATE unsafe situations at our airports... less and less security / screening / stopping illegal activity at our airports. This "MAN" never makes sense.
I wonder what Trump's followers think of all this? Do they think, 'good for him, sticking to his guns, f*****g up the airport security just to show he's really serious about the wall to stop the Mexicans'? I really do wonder.
Please tip the TSA guys at least $1..at least they can have coffee.....
Meowton your opinion reminds me of an old sayimg. Something about 2 things everyone has. One is an opinion. The other is.......
What "president" Wannabe Dumpy Trumpy has done is absolutely disgusting. But Americans carry on. I respect them and applaud them for that. But there comes a point. And that point is coming soon. We are already reading of people unable to work because they do not have the cash to get gas to be able to go to work. Personally, I am waiting for the airport staff to turn round and finally admit "Well FU*K YOU president Trump - this is what happens when your airports can't operate so F*ck YOU". Why work when you are not being paid? What stupid idiots would accept that? STOP WORKING IF YOU ARE NOT BEING PAID to show the D******D what power you have and how you can cripple the country if he carries on. I want to go to Walt Disney World. But No one at the airport means I can't go. (Just an example). This impulsive government shutdown caused by a baby having a temper tantrum is just ridiculous, stupid, childish, and makes the so called "presidency" of the United States an absolute laughing stock
This happened for many times already and not just under Trump... no news here. Thank the liberals for this mess!
Oh FFS, government shutdowns predate Donald Trump. Stop acting like this is unprecedented. It's something idiot politicians do, not simply "Orange man bad".
People are so ignorant of the TRUE Facts! The Democrats have voted for what Trump wants in years past (it's a small amount compared to other items) But they are the ones being childish and playing politics won't even discuss it when meetings are called!?
My question is not "why is this happening." My question is "why does this seem to happen every year? Why is the American government so broken that it shuts itself down every time the Republican party gets its feelings hurt? Why does this keep happening with increasing frequency and length?"
I'm reading this while watching a documentary about dictatorships, and honestly, the parallels are kind of scary.
I really think those TSA workers should strike. No one should have a contract stating you are required to work without pay if the government shuts down. I think a strike liek that would really turn the tables on this whole thing.
Staff Member: "Mr. President, the TSA Employees are starving, what should we do?" Trump: "Let them eat cake!" Thus the revolution started...
If we could take away his access to using Air Force One to fly to Mar a Lago to play golf (154 times as of tday) and he had to deal with regular air transport it would end tomorrow. [btw- these trips to Florida have cost the taxpayers, even those who work for the TSA and FAA, around $84,000,000 ]
They are getting paid. Just later is all. It's called retroactive pay and it's happened every time we've had a shutdown of government which is 21 shutdowns since 1976 and the longest was under Bill Clinton. Obama had the last major one with a total of 16 days in 2013. Remember that one? People were actually fired in that one all because he weaponized the shutdown with the help of the democrats to push the republicans to the desk. It didn't work. Obama gave in. The people who don't show up for work or work to make excuses for their behavior will probably be fired like under Obama and Clinton and not be paid. https://www.thoughtco.com/government-shutdown-history-3368274
I am one of those government workers (not TSA) who has been deemed "essential". Thus I am at work, doing my job, and not getting paid. In actuality, I am working for the government, for free. If the government is going to "shut down" no one should be paid - to include all those in congress, house of reps, and the senate. I bet there would be a resolution really fast if they were not getting paid. >:(
I come from one s****y country and currently live in another, shittier country, but when I see what's possible in the World's biggest democracy and leading power, they seem much less s****y to me.