October 16, 2013

For the past 15 days, Americans have felt the weight of a government shutdown. National parks have been shut down, lifesaving scientific research has been halted and fallen soldiers’ families will not receive money for funerals.

All of these take an immediate and dire toll on the morale of the citizens and their faith in their government. The deadline for the United States to pay its debt is looming. The foolish irresponsibility of Congress will not only continue to take a toll on its own people, but it will also hinder the global economy.

The biggest responsibility Congress has is to determine how money is spent in the United States. Obviously, they have not been doing their job. We have seen Head Start schools close and children lose a proven advantage in their education because of their family’s financial means. There are countless atrocities that happen when the government refuses to run.

It is easy to blame the Republicans for having a horrible idea to stop Obamacare with no exit strategy. It is easy to blame the Democrats for not having the brains to anticipate a brainless move and have some sort of strategy. However, it is a much more fair decision to blame the kindergarten class known as the entire Congress.

Congress is having numerous two-hour meetings and great debates as to what cuts should be made, whether or not the debt ceiling should be raised and how long to raise it. I understand that breaks must be taken, but the furloughed workers going without pay are not taking a break from worrying about how they are going to put food on their table or pay their mortgage.

However, this affects more than just hardworking Americans and those dependent on government aid in the form of education, research and social programs. The global economy is finally making a slow, but steady recovery. If the United States defaults on its loans, it is all but guaranteed the market will be shaken.

The United States will see increased interest rates and a lack of confidence in business. This will cause the global economy to falter with wiggle room many poorer nations do not have. It is not just a bad move for Congress to delay an agreement economically, but also diplomatically.

The United States has often received criticism, even from its allies, regarding a Congress that causes constant, unnecessary turmoil. We must remain a country that is seen as a powerhouse in economic growth, scientific research and political prowess. However, we continue to elect squawking mouthpieces who cut funding in education, hinder the economy and seem to be unable to grasp social change.

Congress may pass a bill soon to pay the bills for the next few months, but if they do this, it’s only a cushion. Come the next deadline, Congress will find itself in the same position unless it can find higher ground than choosing sides. The world will be in the same position come this time as well. We must make a point to become more aware as a people and to contact our Congressional representatives. If you value a strong global economy and any type of government presence, please, make sure your voice is heard.

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