Some republicans in congress recently shut down the government for 16 days because they wanted stuff. Let's take a look at what they wanted, and see if it makes any sense.
They wanted to defund Obamacare. As we all know by now, the ACA (Obamacare) is a law that they don't like, and rather than continue to try to repeal the law (again and again and again) they decided to just shutdown the government instead. Cry babies. And in the process, they cost the country billions.
They wanted to deny health care coverage to their own staffers! Wow. So they get their cushy lifetime best-health-insurance-in-the-world, but they don't want their employees to have coverage?
They wanted to deny birth control coverage. This is one I've never understood. We have agreed (for better or worse) that employers should provide health care plans to employees. The Republicans seem to like that idea better than having a single-payer government managed system (like Medicare). Okay, so we get our plans through employers. Part of health care is birth control. So why don't they like birth control? Because access to birth control leads to fewer abortions? Or fewer teen pregnancies? Or fewer unwanted children who end up in the "system" (and presumably, taking god-forbid welfare!!). Hmm. And, if you want to allow employers exceptions for religious reasons, they by god, you better make sure those employers stone their children, and are killed if they curse their parents or open their business on Sunday! Consistency, people!
They wanted to approve the Keystone Pipeline. So that one of the worst environmental disasters in Canada can continue? So that future oil spills in sensitive areas of our country are almost assured? So we can have a pipeline from Canada across our country to ship oil overseas, and we don't get any of the benefit from that oil? Makes a lot of sense. NOT.
They wanted to expand oil drilling. Presumably in pristine environments like the arctic. We have polluted and trashed the rest of the planet, time to pollute and trash the arctic too! And delay the process of figuring out how to live without oil. Which we're going to have to do eventually since oil is a finite resource. Another good plan, guys.
They wanted to block net neutrality. So that corporations can control what content you get on the internet. Want to buy a new washing machine from Sears? Woops! Your internet provider has a "deal" with Best Buy, so you'd better buy it from them instead. Want to use Skype to make a long distance phone call? Woops! Your internet provider doesn't like Skype, and wants you to pay them for that call, so you're not allowed. Want to use Google maps to create directions to your vacation spot? Woops! Your internet provider has a deal with another company for maps. No google maps allowed. This is just another symbol of the sham that is our government these days: when are we all going to admit we live in a corporatocracy, NOT a democracy?
They wanted to weaken regulations for coal-fired power plants. Oh that will be fun! So we can be just like Beijing! Masks will be the new hot fashion accessory!! And it'll be a great boon to indoor gyms because no one will be able to exercise outside any more!!! Because, you know, small businesses are so great. Don't worry about those pesky scientists who say that burning coal is also a leading cause of smog, acid rain, and toxic air pollution, and that coal plants are the leading source of CO2 emissions. All the people who shut down the government are going to be raptured soon anyway, so it doesn't matter. The rest of us... well we deserve the hell we get anyway, right? Right?
They want to reduce EPA coal-ash regulations. Because coal ash piles are so great to look at. And hey they are a rich source of minerals: mercury, arsenic, lead, selenium, lead, and hexavalent chromium. Minerals are good for us, right?
There's more, but I'm already tired of listing out the ways that these people want to ruin life for all of us, except those in gated communities. Although, I do wonder: do they breathe different air, and drink different water from us? If they don't, are they dumb as posts, or truly evil?