Government Shutdowns: A Lesson in Power and Futility

By Eric Golub

If a government shuts down in the forest and nobody useful is affected, should anyone care? The 2025 government closure has become a political battleground, with Republicans and Democrats trading blame. Bolder and smarter Republicans would claim full credit for the shutdown, framing it as a triumph of fiscal responsibility. Yet the narrative hinges on a critical question: what exactly is being shut down, and why?

The analogy to the “Married, With Children” episode where Peggy Bundy went on strike highlights the absurdity of disruption without purpose. A shutdown requires consequence, value, and clarity—elements conspicuously absent in this crisis. Liberal Democrats, who advocate for expansive government, argue that more programs equate to progress. Conservative Republicans counter that smaller government allows individuals to thrive free from bureaucratic overreach.

Critics point to Democratic policies as a cycle of waste, fraud, and abuse. Climate initiatives, underfunded public schools, and failed social programs are cited as examples of misallocated resources. Fraudulent practices, including immigration loopholes and corporate tax evasion, further erode public trust. The weaponization of government agencies, such as the IRS and DOJ, has targeted conservatives, fueling a climate of fear and division.

Recent violence against Republicans, including the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise and attacks on conservative figures, underscores a dangerous trend. Democrats, according to this perspective, prioritize political gain over public safety, using government as a tool for coercion. Meanwhile, the shutdown is portrayed as a necessary reset, freeing small businesses from regulation and preventing tax hikes or religious persecution.

The article concludes that America’s reliance on bloated bureaucracy has failed, urging a shift toward private sector efficiency. Government workers, it argues, should be replaced by those who “build something” rather than “push paper.” The call to shrink or eliminate government remains stark, framed as the only path forward.

Eric Golub is a comedian, author, and retired stockbroker living in Los Angeles. His work focuses on politics, culture, and the intersection of humor and policy.