Well, at least the shutdown shows us who the lazy ass pansies are working in our government. Anyone who takes a government job is told right up front if their job is essential or non-essential.  If they choose to accept the job, they shouldn't be surprised when the government shuts down and they don't get paid for a while. I have said this many many times... government employees can apply for a grant (no payback) to pay their Bill's and buy food and gas. When the shutdown is over, they get back pay, plus that extra grant money. No one was starving. It's a ploy to get the people worked up so that they demand the government be reopened.