The cliff notes version: The US has reached the point where they have borrowed more money than they have and HAVE to cut money/rebudget/etc. When they can't agree on where the money will come from or what to cut back on, then the government shuts down until it's figured out. Republicans don't like Obamacare and want funds taken away from that and put toward other things. I have no idea where the Democrats want the money to come from to fund things besides Obamacare and how they plan to fund it all.
The last time this happened was Winter 95-96 (I think)
What about your government run water fountains? And Penis monuments?
Washington DC is the only city in the United States that shut down trash and sewage, etc when the government shuts down. The city recently passed a bill saying trash and sewage would be taken care of during government shutdowns. The White House is shut down for tours, in addition to national monuments and national parks.
The 'essential' things are still being paid for, specifically things that keep people and property safe (like weather), the Congress/Senate/President's salaries, and the Obamacare website where you pre-register for insurance.
Closed
Open
Discuss
(PS the worst part? The pandacam at the National Zoo is also shut down.)
Edited by Napiform, 02 October 2013 - 10:57 AM.