Not very much “new” in the news today. Lot’s of talk about the threat of a government shutdown due to squabbles over the looming health care tax, debt limit increase and even the long-delayed Keystone pipeline.
The possibility of a shutdown itself got me to thinking. Because other than folks like myself, who make a concerted effort to stay abreast of current issues, I’m not sure that the vast majority of the population would even be aware if a shutdown took place.
As a practical matter, somewhere around 70% of government spending is locked in one way or another, leaving only 30% subject to any kind of suspension or delay at all. Of that remaining amount, although items selected would surely be those gaining the greatest public attention pro or con, it’s doubtful there’d be any real harm invoked at all except for those directly affected by the timing, such as delayed decisions or the need of an immediate governmental response.
My research shows that the last time the government did shut down was in 1995, when the following scenario took place, according to the Starr Report in the Washington Post:
“Monica Lewinsky began her White House employment as an intern in the Chief of Staff's office in July 1995. At White House functions in the following months, she made eye contact with the President. During the November 1995 government shutdown, the President invited her to his private study, where they kissed. Later that evening, they had a more intimate sexual encounter. They had another sexual encounter two days later, and a third one on New Year's Eve.”
So, if I had to guess about what the biggest ramification might be should another shutdown take place now, I’d have to think there’s a probability the incumbent might run off with his caddy and hide out on the links till the coast was clear. Because he just doesn’t seem to me to be the kind of guy who’s interested in girls.
That’s it for today folks.
Adios
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