What is this "partial govt. shutdown" all about?

[The Vegan Marxist]

Here's the article talking about it:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110405/ap_on_re_us/us_spending_showdown

Though it feels a bit unclear as to what this exactly means and to what effect this brings on us. Anyone know what this is all about?

[Iraultzaile Ezkerreko]

It means the US Government stops sending out money for ANYthing. It would basically cripple the US economy and cause huge amounts of distress for working-class families who depend on certain government programs.

[Os Cangaceiros]

It means that funding to everything except "essential government services" (ie police, fire-fighters, military etc.) gets shut down.

[Os Cangaceiros]

I don't think that anyone really wants that to happen, though, except a few fiscal conservative hardliners. The GOP knows that a lot of people will be calling for their heads on sticks in the next election if this comes to pass. Unfortunately they're kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place, because they've also supposedly received a mandate from the mid-terms to cut spending.

[eric922]

Of course we keep funding our military, even if we stop funding social services. This country makes me sick at times and ashamed to be an American.

[Iraultzaile Ezkerreko]

of course we keep funding our military, even if we stop funding social services. This country makes me sick at times and ashamed to be an american.

at times?!

[eric922]

at times?! Well I was trying to be optimistic. I'm sure there are some good things we've done over the years, I just can't think of any in recent decades.

[Tim Finnegan]

It means the US Government stops sending out money for ANYthing. It would basically cripple the US economy and cause huge amounts of distress for working-class families who depend on certain government programs.
So, basically, it's the state going on strike? :confused:


It means that funding to everything except "essential government services" (ie police, fire-fighters, military etc.) gets shut down.
I'm assuming that "essential government services" refers to the services which are essential for the government, and not for everyone else?

[Rusty Shackleford]

So, basically, it's the state going on strike? :confused:



No, it means that a budget hasnt been made so money cant be allocated to services that make government work. "essential functions" are just state institutions mean to keep the country from falling into chaos with no military police fire and other institutions being inoperable.

basically the state still functions but government doesnt. which it a key distinction.


a shutdown happened in the 90s but i have no fucking clue how they dot it started again.