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| Park Closed 2023 Geoffrey W. Sutton & Bing AI |
It's September 29th and the US is about to shutdown again--that is, the government closes nonessential operations. Of course, what's "essential" isn't decided by us--the citizens of this great nation. Surely, there is a more effective way to avoid this recurring event and the horrific costs to our financial and wellbeing.
I do think our government wastes too much of our money, but shutdowns are not the best way to get change. Every election makes a difference. When we elect big spenders, we pay the price. Sometimes, we may decide some spending is a good idea--depends on our politics.
The Cost of A Shutdown - It's Not Just Financial
Were you planning a trip to a National Park? They shutdown. The parks will close. You lose planned enjoyment. Some parks are open and some with minimal services. It will require some investigation to know what's available and what is closed.
Were you going to fly somewhere? Last time, some TSA workers stayed away from work. They were essential workers but they did not get paid! People showed up with food for them in the past. Consider the cost of anxiety, worry, frustration, anger--psychological pain. More news on this at WP.
In 2019, our economy lost $11 billion according to CNBC. How is that helpful if a political party is concerned about government spending?
It costs more money to shutdown our government than keep it running. While our friends who work for the government do not get paid and many services are closed, the government pays them back when the government re-opens. Pain for them and losses for the rest of us to pay for no services. Shutdowns are expensive. See USAFacts.
Services to our veterans- the people who keep us safe--delayed (see Brookings). How is this respectful?
A growing economy helps many of our citizens. Shutdowns can cost over $20 billion according to Brookings in 2013.
Our poor people may suffer if they cannot get food assistance and necessary services. More pain.
When the world investors cannot trust our government to function effectively, trust is impaired. The US is a powerful nation but our enemies are powerful too. Our financial health and independence should be preserved. Financial wellbeing is critical to the health of a nation and its citizens.
We may never know the truth about the risk to our national security since we are not privileged to such information. Still, we should be concerned that our security agencies are always fully funded. It's not like unscrupulous enemies to discover and take advantages.
What can we do?
Vote our policies in each election. Avoid the allure of charismatic politicians. Policies matter.
Contact our leaders to express our frustrations. Link Find and contact elected officials | USAGov
Be kind to our essential government workers who show up for work without a paycheck.
Be careful with travel plans in early October when a shutdown is a possibility. It's less likely when one party has a majority.
Get to airports extra early.
Pay attention to the needs of local services for our poorest citizens. Help where it is needed.
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Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is www.suttong.com
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