Is the Government Shutdown Real?
How do we know if it's real or not?
Remember when Trump kept saying "Fake News" and everybody called him the Anti-Christ for saying that? They mocked him, hated him, and called him all kinds of bad things because he was pointing out the FACT that many people were unaware about how much nonsense they accept as truth just because it came from the television or the "News" reporters. Do we still feel that way or have more people begun to realize that we have no idea what is true or false anymore? I have to admit that for the portion of my life that I call the "young years" it was really nice believing that I knew everything or at least that I knew enough to discern between fact and fiction. These days, I have no idea. Unless it actually occurred to me or to my witness, I have no idea who is truthing or fibbing. Like this "Government Shutdown" thing ---- What the heck are they talking about?
The banks are still opening and closing. The busses are still running. The internet is still up. The newspaper is still being sold. Social security still paid me my monthly benefit amount. The ambulance and firetruck are still blaring their sirens. What government shutdown? I'm very confused.
I looked at the "news" scroll section on my cellphone today and it's mentioning that "Government Shutdown" thing again. The post for my information is stating that this (Autumn 2025) is the second-longest government shutdown in US history, affecting federal workers and vulnerable Americans. SNAP benefits (food stamps) are at risk of suspension. Air travel disruptions due to air traffic controller staffing shortages are occurring raising safety concerns. Economic impacts are affecting GDP (what's that?) growth and federal spending. And there seems to be no signs of compromise regarding the Affordable Care Act subsidies (ACA, what's that?) which I guess we are suppose to wonder why.
I understand that these "Government shutdowns" have occurred in many presidency terms, and that they do cause Americans grief and worry --- But what qualifies for the definition of "Government shutdown" ?
People can still drive on the roads. People can still access their money at their banks. People can still go to the store and get what they need. People can still live in their homes without a gun in their face. People can still call for an ambulance or a firetruck or a policeman. So what is shut down?
I thought the Airport was Private Business? That's what they tell you if you start ranting on a soap box there. They will tell you to leave, that you don't have "Freedom of Speech" there because it is Private Property and owned by Private Business Owners. So how is the Airport connected to a "Government Shutdown" ?
Food stamps? Is all this anger and fear caused because the politicos are threatening food stamps? If food stamps got threatened, that is hardly a "Government Shutdown". There are plenty of places to get free food. Churches, Wic, and other Charitable Organizations. Food Stamps does not dictate starvation in our country. That is a major over-reaction.
So what shut-down?
There's a hurricane going over Jamaica and heading towards Cuba. Hurricane Melissa they call it. I know when Hurricane Debbie, Helene, and Milton hit our portion of Florida, there was a lot more SHUT-DOWN then whatever they are talking about now.
In fact, for all three of those hurricanes, the response time was very slow. There are still beaches with dilapidated and destroyed constructions that haven't been attended to.
Are you talking about the government not helping or are you talking about a hurricane destroying things?
And if you weren't out there helping anyone, or at least trying to, why should anyone help you?
About the Creator
Shanon Angermeyer Norman
Gold, Published Poet at allpoetry.com since 2010. USF Grad, Class 2001.
Currently focusing here in VIVA and Challenges having been ECLECTIC in various communities. Upcoming explorations: ART, BOOK CLUB, FILTHY, PHOTOGRAPHY, and HORROR.
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