OPINION

Life Goes On: Why Government Shutdowns Aren't as Bad as They Seem

USAMon Oct 20 2025

Government shutdowns happen. The news makes it sound like the end of the world. But is it really? People still go about their daily lives.

Life Goes On

Families take care of their kids. Workers go to their jobs. Musicians play music. Life doesn't stop just because the government isn't functioning.

The media loves to dramatize these shutdowns. They say it's a big deal. But in reality, most of life doesn't depend on the government. The best parts of life happen outside of government control. We need some government, sure. Enough to keep us safe. But not so much that it controls everything.

Nonessential Workers

During shutdowns, the government tells some workers not to come in. They call them "nonessential." But if they're not essential, why are they employed in the first place? It's a bit confusing.

For the 1.4 million federal employees affected, it's a problem. They're not getting paid. But history shows they usually get paid later. So it's not the end of the world.

Air Traffic Control

The media says flights are delayed because of the shutdown. They blame it on fewer air traffic controllers. But is that really the issue? Other countries, like Canada and the UK, have private air traffic control. Studies show private systems have fewer delays. Maybe the problem isn't the shutdown. Maybe it's the way the government runs things.

Airport Security

Even airport security works better when it's private. In places like San Francisco and Kansas City, private companies handle security. Passengers say the lines move faster and the screeners are nicer. Private companies have to compete. They have to do a good job or they lose business. The government doesn't have that pressure. So they don't improve.

Government Aid

Shutdowns are supposed to show how important the government is. But they actually show the opposite. They show that life goes on without the government. People find ways to solve problems. They don't need the government to tell them what to do.

Some farmers complain about not getting government checks. But why should farmers get taxpayer money? Politicians say it's to save family farms. But it mostly helps big businesses. We don't need government aid to have enough food. Look at fruits and vegetables. They don't get government help. But we still have plenty of tomatoes, peaches, and green beans.

Food Safety

The government also inspects our food. They say it's to keep us safe. But is that really true? Food is safe because companies want to keep their customers. If their food makes people sick, no one will buy from them. So they take extra safety measures. They have more inspectors than the government requires. But you don't hear about that in the news.

The Media and Politicians

The media loves to talk about politicians. They're easy to interview. But they don't talk about the millions of people who make America work. We don't need bureaucrats in Washington to tell us what to do. We can take care of ourselves.

Conclusion

So next time there's a government shutdown, don't panic. Life goes on. We've survived them before. We'll survive this one too.

questions

    How do government shutdowns impact essential services and what measures are in place to mitigate these impacts?
    What are the long-term effects of government shutdowns on the economy and public services?
    Why do politicians act like the world is ending during a government shutdown when everyone else just carries on?

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