So. I don't understand how a country that sells itself as the 'best country in the universe!' can almost shut down three times in a year.

This isn't a judgement, or anything like that. I'm just trying to wrap my head around it.

in my mind, a country that is a contender for 'best country in the world,' should be able to operate without the fear of shutting down a day or a week or a month from now.

In my mind, a country should be willing and able to take care of its citizens, no matter what their income bracket, or sexual partner, of skin colour, or how they spell the word colour.

Otherwise what's the point in having a fucking country? Honestly?

What's the point in having a country that can shut down because one (earning eight times more than the average citizen) member of government throws a hissy fit about some bullshit issue?

Because right now I'm pretty sure the $11,000 I've paid in federal taxes so far this year hasn't been earned by a single member of congress, Democrat or Conservative. I'm pretty sure that the programs I want to keep running have been shut down while the programs I have no taste/interest in have been paid for.

I don't want the government to cut anything, except the bullshit and the lies.

if they cut teachers salaries, they need to cut their own. if they cut people who actually contribute to society (firefighters/teachers/cops/everyone except for politicians) then they have to start cutting themselves. they need to cut subsidies to every single industry except for those involved in alcohol.

Because the only way I feel like things might work out is by drinking copiously. But the problem with that is, if I end up going to hospital for some alcohol induced/related illness, the government (who are partially to blame for my drinking) aren't going to look after me. But they'll look after themselves. They'll make sure that while campaigning against state/govt sponsored healthcare and pensions that they've got that shit.

All I want in this world (apart for a 36' CS Marlin) is for someone who votes republican to explain to me why the fuck they would do something against their own best interests.

Please.