GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN!!! De Ja Vu All Over Again!

With the threat of a government shutdown just a little more than a week away, both parties in Congress don’t seem to be making any progress.  Each side blaming the other and stuck in the middle are the American people.  This is not a new story by any means.  In fact, this same story seems to play out every few months like a stuck record. 

The contention this time, just like the last time, is the debt ceiling.  Democrats want Republicans to approve an increase in the nation’s debt ceiling.  Republicans are using the opportunity to try to de-fund the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) and are threatening not to approve the debt ceiling hike without cutting Obama Care. 

Some argue that the debt ceiling is simply approving the government to pay bills already racked up by Congress; others argue that government spending is out of control and if Congress approves the debt ceiling hike it will only encourage more senseless spending. 

So why are we having this debate again and again?  The reason is because Congress can’t work together to cut a long-term deal on this issue.  Each side is too interested in playing politics.  So they scare the public with “The Sky is falling” speeches and gain attention on every 5 o’clock news organization.  These politicians will soak up attention every chance they get.  They will take this situation to the deadline again before passing another continuing resolution (CR).  This CR will give each side another platform in a few more months for another showdown and another chance to take the big stage to pump up their bases.   

Regardless of what happens a little more than a week from now, the country will not fail due to this debate.  Both sides will give a little and we will get to see this play out again in a few more months. 

What do you think will happen with this current debt ceiling debate?  What will be the solution?  Who will win?