[MarDav]

From the category "This may sound dumb": I want to know why it is exactly that elected officials can use the threat of inconveniencing (or harming) every American in their attempt to gain political points? Seems to me that a "government shutdown" should hurt ONLY those in government.

And speaking of that, where exactly is the price being paid by senators and congressmen for this little stroke of legislative ineffectiveness? What skin do they have in this game?

[bankwalker]

I want to know why it is exactly that elected officials can use the threat of inconveniencing (or harming) every American in their attempt to gain political points?

It happens locally too. When the towns are called on to be more efficient, lawn signs start popping up threatening to lay off teachers and police.