“What’s Going On”
What’s going on with the shutdown you ask? Well, as we look around us sh** has been shut down.
For those of you who may not be aware, the federal government has underwent a “partial shutdown.” So you may be asking what is a partial shutdown? From what many of us have seen so far, a partial shutdown happens when only some of the federal government’s agencies are funded and not all of them due to Congress not passing funding bills or the president fails to sign them before the previous appropriations run out. Why and how did this happen do you ask? Because democrats refuse to agree with the request of about $5 billion dollars to help fund steel barriers in high-priority locations along the American and Mexico border.
So you’re probably saying to yourself. Well how does this affect myself, and what does this have to do travel? Well let me fill you in on some of the things that travelers like you and myself should be EXTREMELY concerned about. I will start off by listing a few of the agencies that have been affected:
- -Department of the Treasury
- -Department of Agriculture
- -Homeland Security Department
- -Department of the Interior
- -Department of State
- -Department of Housing and Urban Development
- -Department of Transportation
- -Department of Commerce
- -Department of Justice
So lets just talk about a few of the agencies shall we, let’s begin with good old Department of Homeland Security. With TSA workers not being paid to help assist in keeping us safe in the airports and in flight, this could lead to call outs and no shows. TOO DAMN LATE, they are already calling out and saying man “F*** this.” Them calling out has led to many terminal closures and making TSA check point lines unbearably long. But could you blame them? I think we have reached 30 days of many agencies being furloughed and about a week ago many furloughed employees have received paychecks that read 0.00. My heart truly goes out to these employees who are required to show with no pay, despite not having gas in their cars, or enough money to give their children for lunch for the week.
So what can we do about this? Nothing really, but I heard that some airports are accepting donations for TSA workers! For those of you who are doing this already, you’re the real MF’n MVPs. For those of you who would like to help and contribute, definitely contact your local airport and get the deets. I myself will make a donation this week, because I am blessed enough to have a paying job and travel while those that assist in my travel are not receiving funds that are owed to them. Please keep that in mind folks, and lets bless others.
For a few articles on airport donations check out some of the links below:
Orlando International Donation Drive:
Oakland International Airport:
Another agency that is furloughed is the Food and Drug Administration, also known as the FDA. The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. (https://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/WhatWeDo/default.htm)
So again, to the many travelers traveling around the United States, guess who is out there inspecting your food, and ensuring your poultry meets federal law and regulation? You guessed it, probably not a d*** soul because they’re furloughed. If you’re a little concerned about what foods to possibly avoid be sure to do a quick google, or start here.
Guys I wanted to bring this to your attention because this is a very serious issue. Like you and myself that enjoy the privilege of traveling the globe, many people can not at this time and I would like you to keep that in mind. On your next adventure, please be sure to thank your TSA folks and consider making a donation.
“Come on talk to me, so you can see, what’s going on” (Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On )
