Question: Why does the government shutdown matter?

Answer: I polled my faculty and we agree that you need to know a few things

1) IT WILL IMPACT YOU! Make no mistake, if the government shutdown continues, your financial aid could be at risk. No government money means no grants or loans of any kind. This suddenly means that a huge chunk of our student body could potentially not be able to return due to lack of financial assistance. I know personally I didn’t get my financial aid until a month into the semester, and it impacted everything from my cell phone to my rent. Do you intern for a program funded by federal grant money? Do you know someone who is a civilian contractor for the military in Manhattan or Junction City? Were your children or siblings scheduled to take field trips at Brown v. Board of Education, or any national park? Anything that is bank rolled by the feds will be effected.

2) It is completely unnecessary. Look, I don’t care if you’re a Republican, Democrat, Independent, Libertarian, or vote for Mickey Mouse. I don’t care. This shutdown is completely attributed to the lack of compromise and lack of ability to put aside party agenda to serve the American people. Both parties currently are paying lip service to that, but the proof is in the actions of the few holding hostage the many. The other part to this is that it is proof of the divide within the Republican ranks, and between Republicans in the House and the Senate. The Republicans cannot agree internally about policy, much less in conjunction with the Democrats (who I have my issues with, make no mistake).

3) YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND OBLIGATION TO CHANGE IT IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT! If there has EVER been a reason to vote next year, this is it. It starts with what YOU AS A CITIZEN can do to make sure that we are voting in people that are not power hungry, corrupt, and completely out of touch with the will of the American people. Figure this out quickly: Washington is not acting in accordance with what the PEOPLE (who vote them into office!) want. Those who allow this shut down to continue are NOT SERVING YOU! They are serving party agenda. That goes for all of them. I’m not saying there are no good house members and good senators, I’m not saying that. What I am saying is that we keep voting into office the same people who bankrupt our nation and bankrupt our states. You absolutely have a voice, and your vote absolutely matters. Make it count next year. Don’t be lulled by complacency that as students we cannot do anything. Trust me. If we are active in our government, we have a better chance of making a difference. VOTE, VOTE WELL, AND VOTE INFORMED!

In the meantime, let your local House member and Senators know what you think. We are constituents and they represent all of us, not just some of us.

Senate:

Jerry Moran (202) 224-6521

Pat Roberts (202) 224-4774

House:

Lynn Jenkins (202) 225-6601