Yet again, we have narrowly avoided a government shutdown, with the showdown caused, once again, by far-right lawmakers who seem to have more interest in posturing than governing. And once again, Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs have held their breaths, wondering if their government benefits would be soon cut off.
This cannot become the new normal. The American people, especially those living in low- and middle-income communities, do not deserve to live with the constant anxiety over whether their government benefits will continue or cease because of the whims of a small group of House Republicans. These far-right lawmakers are small in number but are wielding outsized political power to muscle through their ultimate goal of slashing public spending while also preserving unprecedented tax cuts for billionaires and corporations.
Let’s be clear about what’s at stake. A government shutdown, and even the threat of one, is not just a temporary inconvenience. It disrupts our communities, our economy, and even our national security. While the headlines might focus on closed national parks or unpaid federal workers, the deeper story is about the everyday Americans who will bear the brunt of this political chaos.
Take for instance, the small business owner, already grappling with the challenges of the post-pandemic economy. A government shutdown could delay essential services, from tax-return processing to business loan approvals. For Black-owned businesses, which often face systemic barriers to accessing capital, these delays could be the difference between staying afloat and going under.
Furthermore, Black Americans and other marginalized communities would be hit hard. Vital programs like SNAP and WIC, lifelines for many families, are at risk every time the House goes to the brink of a shutdown. While there might be some contingency funds to tide over for a short period, a prolonged shutdown could mean that mothers, infants, and children go without the nutritional assistance they rely on. In a country as wealthy as ours, it is unconscionable that political infighting could lead to such dire consequences.
The IRS, often maligned but essential to our government’s functioning, would see its operations curtailed. This is not just about delayed tax refunds, though that’s problematic enough. It is about the potential for increased financial hardship for ordinary taxpayers, especially those who might be in disputes or need assistance.
Our military, the men and women who put their lives on the line for our nation, would be expected to continue their duties without pay. Think about that for a moment. We ask those who defend our freedoms to bear the financial burden of political dysfunction. As a Vietnam combat veteran, I would say it is a slap in the face to their service and sacrifice.
Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid might continue their core functions, but the ancillary services many rely on would be halted. Replacement cards, benefit verifications, and other administrative tasks would be put on hold, creating confusion and potential hardship for seniors and others.
The pressing question we must ask ourselves is this: Is this the America we envision? One where a nation is held hostage by a minority of its elected representatives, willing to sacrifice the well-being of its citizens for political gain? The answer should be a resounding no.
Ultimately, this situation extends beyond a government shutdown. It is about the kind of nation we want to be. A nation that cares for its most vulnerable, recognizes the contributions of its small business owners and entrepreneurs, and that honors the service of its military. We cannot afford the cost of this ongoing chaos, we do not deserve it, and we should not tolerate it when we vote in 2024. The stakes are too high, and the potential consequences too dire.
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