The Great Divide

So if people are wondering what the Civilian - Military divide looks like - I give the last two government shutdowns as exhibits 1a (instigated by Tea Party wing of GOP) and 1b (Democrats hell bent on resolving DACA). Note BOTH of these occurred while are nation is actively engaged in military operations (i.e. in a  STATE OF WAR). In other words if this drags out into February - military members standing the watch, on patrol, and doing the king's business as the saying in goes - including in active war zones MAY NOT GET :PAID ON 15 FEB. Yes folks BOTH of are principal political parties have engaged in brinkmanship that jeopardizes the compensation for members separated from the their loved ones for months at a time who are at risk at getting shot, blown up, maimed, and/or killed on pretty much a daily basis while they are "in country".

And I am going add public service in general to this debate because there is a whole lot of folks doing the king's business in the executive branch who are impacted by this. Hey Marshal Bob - I know your pay is in limbo but we still have to go chase down fugitives - you know the ones who are incredibly dangerous and ALWAYS armed and probably would rather die in a hail of gunfire rather than go back to jail. Hey Border Patrol agent - Jane - I know your rent is probably going to be late because well we don't know when you guys will get paid - but we still need you to keep watch on our borders for illegals, smugglers, drug runners - at night when back-up could be miles away. Plus all those services that we take for granted - until you know they aren't there. Not mention these folks have families to feed and bills to pay too. And yes even they almost certainly will get paid eventually is this really how we want our public servants treated? 

If not its time for the "base" of these parties to tell their Representatives in Washington THIS is not acceptable. If we can't do that as a nation than please stop telling military members/veterans - "Thank you for our service" - because you obviously don't mean it.