Quote (Leevee @ 20 Jan 2018 10:38)
I have to say, weird as this system may be, I think it is a great way to force politicians to take responsibility. In Belgium -- where we went over a year without a government or a proper budget plan -- mandates were just taken by unelected people, politicians were making decisions that they weren't authorized for, and the debt kept stacking up due to the missing budget plan. It is the most undemocratic thing you could think of, and none of the politicians gave a shit about it.
The shutdown's effects are way more direct and immediate, and it puts politicians in their place. You can't reach consensus about a budget? Okay, no budget means no money. Enjoy watching how the entire country suffers billions in losses because of your inability to reach agreement.
I mean it works while you have a government that cares about those losses more than their pride. Unfortunately we now have a spoilt, egotistical baby as PotUS so who knows how long it could go on for before he agrees to compromise.