Government Shutdown: Children, Lunatics, Heroes? Rate the Players

By Greg Hambrick

The federal government is preparing for a likely shutdown of non-essential services at midnight. Up to 800,000 federal employees will likely be impacted.

There is no sign of consensus on avoiding a shutdown, according to USA Today.

Locals are sounding off on Patch from both sides of the issue — some praising Republicans for demanding delays on key Obamacare rules after unsuccessful attempts to eliminate the new healthcare law.

What do you think? Is this the right time for Republicans to hold their ground against healthcare reform? Too late? Tell us in the comments.

"Well, if they are 'non-essential,' then shutting it down will make life easier for my kids in the long run," said Natassia of the federal employees who won't be going to work during a shutdown. "Considering funding those 'non-essentials' simply means adding to the national debt."

“I've heard all the excuses in the world - blaming Republicans, calling it a Tea Party desire to have it defunded, and on and on and on," said Deborah. "Basically trying to deflect from the fact that the vast majority of THE AMERICAN PEOPLE don't wan't Obamacare.”

But others say Republicans are to blame and are calling for sanity in Congress. “Republicans are willing to shut down the government because they don’t like a law that was passed 4 years ago?" asked Issac. "It’s insane!”

“This whole thing is insane," said Debbie. "There are to many hard working underpaid people that are going to lose income because the Republicans want to yet again hold up things.”

Also see:

• How Many Millions Will It Cost Northern Virginia and DC?
• Government Shutdown 2013: Five Changes On Oct. 1
• Government Shutdown 2013: Four Things That Won't Change Oct. 1