# Government Shutdown 12/22: Real Shutdown, Bullshit Shutdown, or No Shutdown? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 15, 2018, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174 "2018-12-15T12:40:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/41 "2018-12-19T15:15:01Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > Much to my surprise, Trump’s given us Federal workers the day off on 12/24. He’ll probably claim to be the first President to ever do that 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/42 "2018-12-19T15:28:18Z")
> [@TSBG](#): > > Big dance number, Kelly wearing a skirt made out of ties. Based on their careers, I would have guessed that Justin froze to death in the hedge maze outside the haunted hotel, but I’ll take your word for it. ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2018, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/43 "2018-12-20T18:59:32Z")
> [@naita](#): > > I think it’s a tossup between no shutdown and a real shutdown, with the latter being due to elements in the GOP or DJT not being able to attempt to demand some bullshit added to a continuing resolution and the Democrats being happy to stick DJT with his Trump-shutdown and wait until they have a majority in the house to go back to the negotiating table. Right on schedule. Trump refusing unless he gets his wall. Now we’ll just have to see how long he’s going to hold out this time before having to give in. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2018, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/44 "2018-12-20T19:33:17Z")
Longtime fed here, and I haven’t encountered a shutdown yet that wasn’t bullshit (by most definitions other than this thread). Per this thread’s definitions, tho, I don’t expect anyone to miss work. I’m considered “essential” tho (big laugh), so I would have to report anyway. We had to electronically certify our time through Friday because - as I understand it - Interior - which does our payroll (don’t ask why), is unfunded. So that is just one little example of the inefficiencies caused by this sort of kerfluffle. Was shocked that Trump gave the inhabitants of the swap the entire Monday off. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2018, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/45 "2018-12-20T22:03:30Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > Much to my surprise, Trump’s given us Federal workers the day off on 12/24. Why would he bother if there’d be a shutdown, anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2018, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/46 "2018-12-20T22:09:46Z")
> [@naita](#): > > Right on schedule. Trump refusing unless he gets his wall. Now we’ll just have to see how long he’s going to hold out this time before having to give in. I’m picturing DJT holding his breath until the wall passes (out) or he does. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/47 "2018-12-22T01:49:35Z")
It looks like ‘no shutdown’ is off the table, since there’s no deal yet, and the House and Senate have adjourned until Saturday noon. My agency’s one of those that hasn’t been funded beyond midnight, but the work I do is actually funded by another agency that **is** funded through the end of the fiscal year. I’m taking annual leave next week and NYE, but I’ll be working on January 2 regardless of whether this thing is resolved by then. (Dammit. ;)) ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/48 "2018-12-22T02:43:19Z")
Ummm… So if your are essential, you have to work, but will be eventually paid for it. If you are not essential, you don’t have to work, but won’t be paid for your forced time off? Is that how this works? ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/49 "2018-12-22T02:56:14Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > If you are not essential, you don’t have to work, but won’t be paid for your forced time off? The time off is unpaid by default, but it’s common for Congress to decide to give back pay to furloughed workers after a shutdown. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/50 "2018-12-22T05:37:42Z")
The 13 people who said “No shutdown” [are now wrong](https://www.apnews.com/1ccfe0de023c4ef986a396707e4d83ac). THE GOP wanted to drown government in bathtub; now they’re just slowly choking it to death. They figure after it’s dead, they can re-make things how they _really_ want. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/51 "2018-12-22T22:33:21Z")
Not only is “no shutdown” gone, but BS shutdown is looking increasingly unlikely. I predict now that it will last at least till Jan. 3 and maybe long beyond. Fox will blow a gasket if Trump hints he might sign a bill lacking that $5 Gig. And it is becoming increasingly clear that Trump takes his marching orders from Fox. ---
**Author:** ![TSBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/77aa72/32.png) [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/52 "2018-12-22T23:55:42Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Not only is “no shutdown” gone, but BS shutdown is looking increasingly unlikely. I predict now that it will last at least till Jan. 3 and maybe long beyond. Fox will blow a gasket if Trump hints he might sign a bill lacking that $5 Gig. And it is becoming increasingly clear that Trump takes his marching orders from Fox. I imagine Putin is pretty pleased with the situation as well. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2018, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/53 "2018-12-23T21:07:56Z")
“See? You don’t need to have a revolution; just close the government down like a failing business” said the GOP happily to themselves. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2019, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/54 "2019-01-04T18:00:32Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Not only is “no shutdown” gone, but BS shutdown is looking increasingly unlikely. I predict now that it will last at least till Jan. 3 and maybe long beyond. Fox will blow a gasket if Trump hints he might sign a bill lacking that $5 Gig. And it is becoming increasingly clear that Trump takes his marching orders from Fox. And here it is, January 4, and a holographic projection of Hari Seldon, its creator having successfully predicted the future, should appear at any time to tell us what’s next. 😉 The ‘maybe long beyond’ part is looking good, since the House and Senate have adjourned until Tuesday 1/8 evening and afternoon, respectively. So the earliest they could resolve the shutdown would be Wednesday 1/9, and the earliest that furloughed Federal workers could be back to work would be Thursday 1/10. Wednesday 1/9 would be the 19th day of the shutdown, three days longer than the 16-day 2013 shutdown, and closing in on the granddaddy of them all, the 22-day 1995-96 shutdown. Looks like this one could blow past that one without working up a sweat. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2019, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/55 "2019-01-04T19:51:41Z")
Heck, I just got word that the component of DoI that processes our paychecks isn’t affected, and I’m not planning on visiting any Nat’l Parks anytime soon, so keep the sideshow going. I do, however, feel sorry for the affected workers, who are undoubtedly feeling stress wondering whether they will be paid for this time. And, as a taxpayer, I sure prefer paying for work rather than non-work. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2019, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/56 "2019-01-04T21:22:46Z")
Hundreds of TSA screeners, working without pay, calling out sick at major airports. > **[First on CNN: Hundreds of TSA screeners, working without pay, calling out...](https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2019/01/04/politics/shutdown-tsa-screening/index.html?__twitter_impression=true)** > > Hundreds of Transportation Security Administration officers, who are required to work without paychecks through the partial government shutdown, have called out from work this week from at least four major airports ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2019, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/57 "2019-01-05T01:48:55Z")
Can we agree that those who said “bullshit shutdown” [are now also wrong](https://www.apnews.com/a6934230e189490080c50a732c1a85d6)? > [@](#): > > President Donald Trump declared Friday he could keep parts of the government shut down for “months or even years” ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2019, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/58 "2019-01-05T02:34:57Z")
These government shut downs have always been political theater. Inconvenience the public whenever possible. Close the national parks. The IRS will still be able to process your income tax returns and if you owe money you will still need to pay on time. Meanwhile, if you are owed a tax refund well, we are sorry, we can’t process those until we have funding again. Any public service will be curtailed, normal government services will not. Pure theater. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2019, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/59 "2019-01-05T02:54:47Z")
In ten days or less we will hear scare stories that the government may not be able to process your Social Security payment, or disability, or unemployment, or other payments, even though these systems are almost entirely automated, direct deposit. We need to get those rooms full of typists, who are furiously hammering away to get those checks to you, back to work damnit!. ---
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2019, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174/60 "2019-01-05T02:56:08Z")
Trump also wants to call it a “strike” rather than a shutdown, apparently. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-12-22-real-shutdown-bullshit-shutdown-or-no-shutdown/826174.md?page=4)