Day 1 of the Government Shutdown; Obama's Address Blames the Republicans

I woke up this morning to find my Twitter abuzz with news about the shutdown of the federal government. I thought, "They're kidding, right?" I had read an article on CNN.com last Monday [now it's been updated] about a supposed shutdown, but didn't seriously think it would get this far.

Well, dear readers, today, October 1, 2013, the government has shut down.

A majority of the American people are up in arms about the "pathetic" action of closing the government, with the average approval ratings showing that 10% of the people approve of the shutdown, while 87% disapprove.

I've been keeping up with the coverage today in the news, and President Obama has made his response to the crisis, which was broadcast live on CNN.

"At midnight last night, for the first time in seventeen years, the Republicans chose to shut down the federal government. Let me be more specific: one faction in one House of Congress in one branch of government shut down major parts of the government, all because they didn't like one law. This Republican shutdown did not have to happen, but I want every American to understand why it did happen."

Alright, please tell us.

"Republicans in the House of Representatives refuse to fund the government unless we defunded, or dismantled, the Affordable Care Act. They've shut down the government over an ideological crusade to deny affordable heath insurance to millions of Americans. In other words, they demanded ransom just for doing their jobs."

I can't put my finger on it, but something tells me the Prez isn't happy with the GOP. Do you agree? (sarcasm)

"Many representatives, including an increasing number of Republicans, have made it clear that had they been allowed by speaker Boehner to take a simple up-or-down vote on keeping the government open, with no partisan strings attached, enough votes from both parties would've kept the American people's government open and operating."

The American people's government? According to the sentiments of "the people" in today's day and age, many might disagree with you on who actually has power and a voice in the government, Mr. President. Take that into account, why don't you.

"We may not know the full impact of this Republican shutdown for some time, it will depend on how long it lasts, but we do know a couple things. We know that the last time Republicans shut down the government in 1996, it hurt our economy. And unlike 1996, our economy is still recovering from the worst recession in generations. We know that certain services and benefits that America's seniors and veterans and business owners depend on must be put on hold. Certain offices, along with every national park and monument must be closed. And while last night I signed legislation to make sure our 1.4 million active duty military are paid through the shutdown, hundreds of thousands of civilian workers, many still on the job, many forced to stay home, aren't being paid, even if they have families to support and local businesses that rely on them. And we know that the longer this shutdown continues the worse the effects will be. More families will be hurt, more businesses will be harmed."

So, what do you suggest, Mr. President?

"So once again I urge House Republicans to re-open the government!" 

And basically he goes on to say the Republicans should not "hold the economy hostage" over "ideologies". He also went on to say how the shutdown will not stop the unstoppable juggernaut of Obamacare; in fact, it's "here to stay." He finished up his address by listing the benefits the healthcare plan will have on certain unfortunate Americans, evidenced by a few stories he told to the press crowd. Health insurance is now available to register for on the national healthcare.gov website or people can register through a given telephone hotline.

So, from the major gist of Obama's address, at least what I interpreted, is that the fault of the hurtful government shutdown and the tiring opposition to Obamacare lies squarely on the ridiculous "ideological battles" of the Republican party. Yet there are still a great majority of Americans, regardless of party, who are still against this legislature which is being considered "socialist."

Personally, I still have yet to develop a strong political base to accurately voice my opinion on this matter, but what I can say is this: to the members of Congress and in both parties: quit the bickering and get back to work! Put aside all these petty differences and figure out a compromise or a solution to overcome this problem and think of the American people! You're getting paid to work and do your job, so do your job!

My question is, what do you, as the public with a voice, believe about the fiasco of this day; this day that will surely go down in current history? Please, share your thoughts on this matter; remember, you as an American citizen have a voice and are allowed and encouraged to be heard.