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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)

Credit: J. Scott Applewhite

Credit: J. Scott Applewhite

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)
By Rick Badie
Oct 2, 2013

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.

» Join the discussion online today: Weigh in below with your thoughts and opinions.

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:

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Rick Badie
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