Inane

My Smithsonian employed spouse is headed home on furlough. I know whom to blame:

The inanity of furloughing the US government is profound:

• It takes a lot of time and costs a lot of money to plan and implement an orderly shutdown.
• The employees have always been paid, for time not worked, once they return
• The public thinks shutdowns are a bad idea, so there is no political advantage to be gained in causing one.
• A shutdown demoralizes all those furloughed, as it conveys the impression that they are superfluous.
• This particular shutdown was initiated while Republicans controlled both Houses of Congress, and when 100 Senators were prepared to avoid it but were stopped from doing so by the President.

What is the solution? An automatic continuing resolution at last year’s levels, with a boost for inflation, would satisfy me. Many other countries do it. Why not us?