This is just a strange thought that came to me this morning as I was listening to news reports of the many Federal workers who are lining up at food banks, etc. in anticipation of not receiving their paychecks tomorrow. Why are they (and the rest of us) paying for the "government shut down"? ACCORDINGTO GOOGLE: Congress's main role is to make laws, control taxingand spending, and provide a system of checks and balances within theU.S. government. The Constitution grants it powers such as declaringwar, regulating commerce, coining money, and overseeing the executivebranch through hearings and an oversight function. The legislativeprocess involves both the House of Representatives and the Senate,with specific powers, like the Senate's "advice and consent"for presidential appointments and treaties,. Corefunctions of Congress - Lawmaking: To make laws that affect all Americans, based on debate and the legislative process involving both the House and Senate. - Financial control: To raise revenue through taxes, approve the federal budget, and coin money. - War declaration: To have the sole authority to declare war. - Oversight: To oversee the executive branch and ensure that laws are administered according to congressional intent through hearings and investigations. Weelect 535 people to Congress. They have not done their job – WORKTOGETHER to, in this instance, approve the federal budget (in atimely manner). Federal workers who are furloughed or not being paidare paying the price for their paralysis. More and more, we thepeople are also paying the price, and the nation as a whole as otherslook at us with increasing disdain. Why are the REST OF US payingthe price for the DECISION of those 535 members to not do their job?? Iwas thinking about the Roman church and the recent necessity to namea new Pope. (also the movie, was it "Conclave"? The people responsible for that decision weresequestered in a room with no contact outside until they came to adecision. No time off, no “man-splaining”, no tweets, no pressconferences. Just one thing – come to a decision they will alllive with. And stay there til you do. Hence the white smoke. Maybewe should try this. Sequester all 535 till they come to the decisionthey are charged with making on our behalf. Then let us know and wemove on. Perhaps a fine for each day they are interrupting our livesby their incapacity to do their job. Or perhaps a % reduction intheir salaries, expenses, benefits and retirement each day for the troublethey are causing the rest of us by their choosing not to do the jobwe elected them to. Jim Wiegel Theunknown is what is. And to be frightened of it is what sends everybodyscurrying around chasing dreams, illusions, wars, peace, love, hate, allthat. Unknown is what is. Accept that it's unknown, and it's plainsailing. John Lennon 401 North Beverly Way, Tolleson, Arizona 85353 623-363-3277 jfwiegel@yahoo.com www.partnersinparticipation.com