Elected officials have failed Americans

I am, unfortunately, one of the 800,000 furloughed government employees. I do not believe in partisan politics. I believe all employees of the government have a responsibility to uphold the Constitution and act in the best interest of the American taxpayers.

Our own selfish desire should not usurp or change our responsibility of doing what is needed, acting in the benefit the public. I do not dispute nor agree with the wall. If the wall is needed, provide the facts that justify it. Do not play up political lines and half-truths to draw justification.

I do, however, believe that shutting down the government is amoral. Congress and the president exist for one purpose: run (and properly fund) the government. By not passing a fiscal budget and shutting down the government, our elected officials have failed one of their most basic responsibilities to the American taxpayers.

Paul Gauthier Little Elm, Texas