I have to admit that I've been desensitized to it in the last 30 years or so. I was too young to pay much attention to the shutdowns in the '80s, but it was shocking to me when it happened during the '90s. After seeing it happen over and over again after that, though, it's now starting to feel routine.

But yeah, I definitely think its a reflection of dysfunctional priorities - in society and in government.