Shutdowns are a deliberate political tactic.

Basically, "Raise taxes or we'll shoot this dog."

The governor is seeking about $35.8 billion, with $1.8 billion in new taxes. Republicans think they can get by on $34 billion.

Can they?

$34 billion was the approximate budget for 2008-2009. Ten years ago? $30 billion (adjusted for inflation). Somehow, back then, everything was getting paid for. How?

Did anyone ever stop and wonder where the money comes from for all those "essential" services during a shutdown? Why can they pay some people and do a lot of other things, but somehow the rug has to get pulled out from under the others in five minutes flat?

Who picks? Who decides that the first thing to do is shoot the dog and blame the opposition for it?

And while I'm wondering, why are the "non-essential" employees somehow "essential" the rest of the time?