@edgarblythe,
As part of the Federal workforce I remember every indignity of the Gingrich led Government shut down. Now I watch the people with young families and couples with kids in college in an absolute panic trying to figure out what to do. While its true some are back on duty, they are not being paid. The Capital police who had to subdue the deranged women woman who crashed her car into a barrier near the White House are on duty without pay. There could be complications for the men who were injured. I'm not sure if their health coverage will pay if the premium is not deducted from the non-existent paycheck. If they must work during the furlough, without pay, and are injured during a work related situation, can they use sick leave?
Following the incident with the deranged woman, an as yet unidentified man, poured gasoline on his body, set himself on fire on the Mall area. He died the next day.
I'm happy for all the travelers who can make their flights because the Air Traffic Controllers are on the job, also in an unpaid status.
I suppose the only thing I hope for, is that our country doesn't experience another atrocity like we saw on 9/11. But if we do, how many minutes will have passed before politicians demand to know WHY the intell community didn't know, didn't warn or prevent it. Once again you will see amnesia sweep thru the Senate and House as their minds are cleansed of anything reminding them that they are assholes who control the budget that funds the direction and scope of the watchdogs. Our Congress is making us look like fools to our friends, and making us targets for our enemies.