Citizens React To Government Shutdown

FARMINGTON — Most people out and about in the area do not support the partial shutdown of the federal government and want their U. S. representatives and senators to work together.

Congress failed to pass a budget funding bill so when the federal fiscal year started Oct. 1, money for all programs not deemed essential was halted. This is the first time in 17 years the federal government has shut down.

“They are a bunch of spoiled babies fighting over a toy,” said Nancy Giles of Lincoln.

Kristen Everett of Fayetteville was in Farmington at Coffee Creations and she said she has been trying to read about the federal shutdown to be informed.

“It’s hard to pick a side,” Everett said, but added, she does not believe Congress is in touch with the rest of America.

“I don’t think they are concerned about being in touch,” Everett said.

She and her husband filled up their vehicles with gasoline and stocked up on groceries after the shutdown, “just in case,” she said.

Earl Daniel of Farmington is a U.S. Army veteran, served in Vietnam and he said he believes the shutdown is “uncalled for.”

Congress is “playing games with our livelihood. They are holding each other hostage to get a bill passed for the insurance companies,” Daniel said.

He pointed out that 800,000 people got up Wednesday and didn’t have a job to go to.

“I hope this all gets straightened out. It is a very painful game.”

Teri Johnson of Fayetteville was leaving the U. S. Post Office in Farmington and she also said she does not support the shutdown.

“We didn’t put those guys up there to squabble. I don’t believe they really see what we want,” Johnson said.

Matt Dial of Prairie Grove said he “absolutely” believes Congress is out of touch with the rest of the country.

“I think they need to get their act together and take care of the American people and not worry about other stuff,” Dial said.

Virginia Coyle said she was glad the shutdown is not affecting people who receive help through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps).

“There are people who are dependent on it,” Coyle said.

She said her opinion is that people in Washington D.C., do not know what’s going on in the rest of the country.

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Everett

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