The recent government shutdown which was as a result of the impasse between the Republicans and the Democrats in Congress has had profound effects on various individuals and groups in the American society. From the very onset, it would be important to state that this was an unfortunate incident. It was unfortunate as it led to challenges and hardship for local citizens simply because of political brinkmanship and posturing by the concerned parties. Furthermore, it is something which was avoidable but no steps were taken by either party to forestall it. It is my considered view that the shutdown significantly dented the image of the United States on the global arena. For a country which has been regarded as a superpower and economic powerhouse, it was most unfortunate to find itself in a situation where it had egg all over its face.
One of the ways in which the government shutdown could affect me arises from the fact that it would compromise some food safety operations. This is because the shutdown will compel the Food and Drug Administration to stop a number of its food safety operations. This will pose a great risk to consumers, I included. This is because we may end up consuming food which has not gone through the necessary food safety operations. Secondly, the shutdown may put me and others at a great risk of contracting flu. This is because the shutdown will make it impossible for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to undertake their annual influenza program. Furthermore, the shutdown will greatly limit the CDC’s capacity to provide support to other stakeholders who participate in the surveillance of infectious diseases. This, I contend is a scenario which puts everyone at risk of contracting infectious diseases.
Work Cited
Bross, T C. Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes and Effects. Washington D C: Congressional Research Service, 2013.
