As I write this on December 20, 2024, we are facing a government shutdown. Why? Mostly because President Elect Trump and “Assistant President Non-elect” Musk, despite a bipartisan plan to keep the government working, think it would be good to shut the government down on Biden’s watch. They don’t like the Congress’s spending bill, although it is Congress’s role to develop the budget, based on the President’s budget proposal, the president being Biden. But the Congress has “the power of the purse.” It seems there is a bipartisan plan but Trump and Musk shut it down. If the government shuts down tonight or in the next few days, the military and government employees will not get paid. Most would get back pay when the government reopens, but missing even one paycheck could have serious effects on many. It would also be felt by those who rely on purchases of products or services paid for by the military and government workers. This then causes a ripple effect on the employees of those providers. Trump doesn’t have to worry, nor does Congress — they get paid. Musk, who is worth over $300 billion, certainly does not worry. Recently he had a $50 billion bonus denied by a judge. He is appealing that and could end up with an even bigger bonus. The military and government employees, as well as those who depend on their purchases, can’t appeal their loss of pay. As for the military, those of us who serve or served, have a sort of joke: “The military deserves nothing but the best. And that is what we get: nothing.” Let’s hope this gets resolved. But don’t forget who is behind us being in this situation.