AJC
Moderator’s introduction
The U.S. Capitol is seen as the political stare-down in Congress shows no signs of easing, in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013. A funding cutoff for much of the government began Tuesday as a Republican effort to kill or delay the nation's health care law stalled action on a short-term, traditionally routine spending bill. Lawmakers in both parties have ominously suggested the partial shutdown might last for weeks. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Today’s moderator: Rick Badie
Rick Badie joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as an education reporter in 1997. A South Georgia native, he’s covered the region’s immigrant communities, was a feature obituary writer and opinion columnist for the AJC’s Gwinnett edition.
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Today, we address the U.S. government shutdown, the nation’s first in 17 years. Who’s to blame? And was it “completely preventable,” as President Barack Obama wrote in a letter to federal government employees? Our guest writers share their perspectives on the budget brawl between Democrats and Republicans.
Today's columnists:
- House Republicans don't get it by Hank Johnson
- Democrats must set aside pride by Lynn Westmoreland
