Politics & Government

Government Shutdown 2013: Children, Lunatics, Heroes? Rate the Players

800,000 federal employees will likely be furloughed Tuesday — is it a preposterous or patriotic Congressional action.

As 800,000 federal employees prepare for a government shutdown Monday night, we asked Patch readers in Northern Virginia what they thought of the battle over the budget.

Republicans are holding their ground on a bill that would fund the government, but delay the Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare). The President and the Democrat-controlled Senate call that a non-starter, instead pushing a "clean" bill.

Without a compromise, the government will be forced to shutdown all non-essential services Oct. 1. 

Cathlyn told us, "It's time for the politicians to stop acting like a bunch of 5-year-olds who got their favorite toy taken away."

Dennis said, "Our politicians need to scrap the ACA and work together to draft something which actually improves the affordability and quality of healthcare."

And Susan wrote, "It's a good example of shoot-yourself-in-the-foot grandstanding."

What do you think? Is this the right time for Republicans to hold their ground against healthcare reform? Too late? tell us in the comments.

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