Disclaimer: Despite this reduction being called a shutdown, I will call it a shutdown for purposes of brevity.
Contrary to what some say the United States is alive and well. The very fact that the country still works shows that Washington has not completed it's plan for a centralized government. In most European countries give up as soon as the capital falls to the enemy as their countries function poorly without the central authority. Another encouraging fact is the American people are squawking plenty about the abuses of OUR government. We recognize the need for some real change which means bringing power back to the people. Our chosen representatives are now listening to the people, well half of them anyway. That is a start. People are finally getting a true look at a possible future under a strong central government and for many it is not a pretty sight.
Hopefully a lot of people have learned that government is not the answer and to put your full and complete faith in it is eventual suicide. So many have given themselves only one way to live or profit, government. When that fails or staggers, they also fall with it. Has anyone else read the stories of someone needing a drug and the only place the know to get is government. Government has, by it's very nature, destroyed any competition. We need to move away from government and find, or develop, options outside of government. Healthcare was the next big step and like a seriously ill patient the country is fighting back against death of the dream.
The GOP may cave or the Democrats may see reason but more people have woken up and those who are awake have moved closer to taking action.