23-days and counting.
The dictionary defines gridlock as a traffic jam affecting a whole network of intersecting streets. We are currently in a gridlock situation with the politicians on Capitol Hill and the current presidential administration with no release in sight.
As an advocate and a self-taught political pundit, I am called to shed some light on the truth that this impasse is not about a wall. There has been plenty of money thrown towards the wall. In 2017 $21 billion was appropriated for border security and $21.5 billion in 2018. (Sen Jon Tester D-MT)
This shutdown is blatantly attacking people who are considered impoverished while hitting hard the middle-class. As of, Friday, January 11, 2019, 800,000 federal employees have become hostages along with their families. No paychecks. Politicians, beginning with the current administration are using the American people as their bargaining chips supposedly for a wall that has already had billions of dollars allocated by the appropriations committee on Capitol Hill. These innocent citizens of The United States are coming face to face with being unable to pay their bills such as rent, mortgage, utilities, groceries, and put gas in their vehicles. I cannot help but think when the wealthy politicians hear federal employees admitting that they live paycheck to paycheck if in their minds they believe these American people are beneath them.
Is this how one plans to make American great again? Again, I say, 800,000 federal employees have become hostages and their everyday living of having a roof over their heads, food on their tables, gas for their automobiles to get them to and from work, and healthcare is being threatened by privileged politicians who do not have to worry about life, family, or perceived happiness.
Programs around the USA are being faced with the possibility of running out of funds or have already been cut off. The very funds that feed children such as the SNAP, which is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will soon run out of resources to help supplement healthy food choices for people. Are we willing to risk children going to bed hungry, pregnant women unable to receive proper nourishment, or the elderly having the necessary foods to eat while taking their prescribe medication because of a false border wall narrative?
We have TSA workers, and air traffic controllers working without pay. On January 2, 2019, a passenger carried a gun through the TSA checkpoint at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson airport and boarded a Delta flight to his overseas Tokyo destination. One can only ask is this a result of the government shutdown and people being overworked without pay as others are calling off sick? What is it going to take to communicate to our politicians that holding everyday people hostage for a wall is a ridiculous idea? Not only are the federal workers being held captive, but people who are expecting their IRS tax returns, and people who are going grocery shopping, and people who are contractors and vendors for the federal government are also in harm’s way because of a “wall.” Yes, I did say, “people who are going grocery shopping.” Did you know that the Food and Drug Administration, as reported by The Washington Post has suspended inspections of food facilities? This shutdown is reaching across a broader spectrum. It appears that no one can escape this horrific act of a fake negotiation.
Everyday life is already difficult for so many without the government shutdown. I find it interesting that those refusing to open the government…let alone allow a vote on the floor are millionaires. They are privileged to the riches of life, living in a bubble whereas they have no idea what it is like to live in lack.
There is something very wrong with holding citizens of American in a violent chokehold as those we voted into office sit idly by and not at least put a vote on the floor in the Senate. The House passed the same bill the Senate voted for in 2018. What changed?
What comes to mind in this unashamed disregard for the American people is what one would call, blackmail. Urban Dictionary defines blackmail as referring to a situation that arises when a person threatens another person with some form of punishment if they do not offer some form of concessions. In this case, it’s $5billion for a wall. This is a reckless strategy that destroys the lives of everyday well-being citizens of the United States. It’s just plain wrong.
Let’s be clear. There is not one person asking for there to be zero security on the border. Everyone wants some form of border security.
Time to raise our voices. Time to open up the government. Contact your senators, by calling, United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121, and a switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request. Good luck with them answering your call, but let’s flood their lines regardless to show signs that we will no longer sit back and let this destruction of American and its citizens continue. Call your senator and demand that they put a vote on the floor.
Collectively let us say, “Let My People Go! Stop holding the American people hostage!”
Join the conversation. What are your thoughts on the government shutdown? How will you raise your voice and speak on behalf of the citizens of America?
