Although I do have opinions on the shutdown, and the "opinion-based" "reporting" of most of our media, I am hesitant to share detailed political opinions here as i don't really believe this is the best place to do that. Congress is indeed the problem here and has been a problem for decades, which is obvious if one has paid attention over time. Our current leaders are doing what leaders are elected to do. Both sides. Its ridiculously short-sided to blame one person for anything in government. There is only one set of facts about any story. Its so hard to get them. And average people are making assumptions based on limited information, all part of the media's design. It sells advertising and candidates.