Shutdown a lesson in applied civics

BY CAPT. CHESLEY “SULLY” SULLENBERGER AND ADM. THAD ALLEN (RET.)
OPINION CONTRIBUTORS — 02/05/19 10:00 AM EST

... The shutdown was a stress test of many of our systems and institutions. There have been countless examples of the professionalism and dedication of individual government employees and how much we all depend upon them to perform important tasks on our behalf. Overworked, understaffed air traffic controllers exhausted themselves to sustain air traffic that carried members of Congress home during the shutdown. Secret Service agents protected the president without pay. Coast Guard crews responded to search-and-rescue cases while their families relied on food pantries. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers had to find ways to get to work to make sure we safely fly, without pay.

... let’s be clear. Another shutdown would be a reckless political act that would unnecessarily endanger the nation for a second time ...

We are now engaged in the greatest civics lesson of our generation. It is not theoretical, it is real and requires not only our attention but our action. To our fellow Americans, your voice and your vote have never mattered more. Care. Be aware. Get involved. Our nation’s future is too important to be left in the hands of those who value retaining their own power and status over their constitutional responsibilities.

https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/428424-shutdown-is-lesson-in-applied-civics-grade-is-not-good