US Federal Government Shutdown

[Montmorency]

Many seem to be arguing that the only thing the GOP-run House is entitled to do is completely cave in to the Senate/President- why?

More extremism. 'If we don't get our way - all of it - then that must mean we're caving in.'

The House Republicans are entitled to use their position to moderate the activities of the rest of the Federal govt - not to suicidally body-slam themselves in pursuit of mutual destruction.

because the Democratic negotiating tactic from the outset has been to tell the GOP to go screw themselves.

Other way around. Maybe try sitting a few meters away from the manure heap?

If the Republicans favor the piecemeal approach so much, let them present a coherent case opposing each category of federal activity besides those they've so graciously offered to fund, and put out an orderly list of suggested improvements empathetic to the range of movement the Democrats might actually tolerate. This shouldn't be up to Obama. He's not the one looking for huge concessions. If the Republicans are willing to cause a huge ruckus with no goal in mind other than pure snarling rage, then it should not surprise them to be dealt with as savage wildlife. You can't negotiate with a grizzly bear - all it wants is to kill you and/or drive you out of its territory. If the Republicans want to return to the human side of things, they can of course propose a number of alternatives and workable scenarios (as opposed to 'JOIN US OR DIE'), or even a comprehensive plan for reform of the entire federal government.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. The berserk chimpanzee gets put in the cage.