Greg, I think than many may be missing the main point in this plot; During this 30+ day shut down (partial) government expenditures were reduced by some 7% and the 'effing world was coming to an end! Coast Guard couldn't get paid, TSA walked off, planes couldn't fly, air traffic controlers wouldn't work. Tax receipts are at an all time high and we're running a trillion dollar deficit and a cut back of 7% brings the government down.
Clearly, this reflects greater issues that need to be addressed.

Last word Greg, and I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but, here in Texas the only thing that runs straight up the middle are white stripes and smashed armadillos. Just sayin' ya know.
Every Friday I look forward to your three principals and I want you to know I embrace them wholeheartedly but for simplicity sake I have had to reduce them to my own personal mantra:

Spread the Love and don't be a Jerk..... ' bout covers it for me