Representative Government? Fredericksburg Patch Readers Wonder

The government shutdown this week has had rippling effects across the Fredericksburg area.  Not only do many locals earn their living working for the government, the area's economy itself is dependent on government being in business.

The Lee's Headquarters - The Civil War Store -- for example -- across the street from the entrance to the Fredericksburg National Cemetery and the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, has seen fewer customers since the shutdown.  The gates to the historic tourist destination are locked.

Fredericksburg Patch reader Andrew C. Yancey shared his opinion about the shutdown on the Boards:

"I thought that no matter what "party" an individual adhered to, once he/she was elected to office they had a duty to represent all citizens of that district. It is my observation that this doesn't apply anymore. I'm thoroughly disgusted with the current political situation and blame my local, state and national politicians for the mess we are in. When my representative does not want to include my thoughts/concerns in his deliberations, I will always NOT have a voice in my government. That makes me a second class citizen!"

Cheryl Darby concurred:

"I agree. This is the second time in 18 years Republicans have taken all Americans hostage because they, essentially, don't like the President or his policies. This has ceased to be a democracy when a handful of people can bring this country to a halt because of ideological differences. What if Democrats had did the same to Presidents Reagan or Bush 43? Can't you just hear the Republicans if that had happened? Enough is enough. I side with the President on the Affordable Care Act. He should not agree to any defunding. The debt ceiling must be raised. This has been done over 45 times since Reagan's presidency. No one threatened to shut down the government any of those times. It is crystal clear this House has an agenda to obstruct anything this president proposes. They are so angry about the ACA they have decided to make us all pay."

This shows how Fredericksburg Patch's Boards section is connecting residents for all kinds of things. To post your thoughts, sale, ideas, questions, click here.

You're invited to share your comments below, too.

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