Shutdown Roundup

     Today's shutdown roundup:

• The House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that would assure furloughed federal workers that they will be paid once the shutdown ends.
• The government shutdown didn't just "happen." It was planned. Edwin Meese, believe it or not, led the planning. The Koch brothers are providing lavish funding for the effort which includes threats to Repulicans who oppose the crusade.
• Polling shows that if an election were held today Republicans might lose control of the House of Representatives. However, an election isn't being held today and voters have short memories.
• The Department of Defense is recalling most of its furloughed workers. No sign of any recall at Social Security.
• Dan Balz at the Washington Post writes about the cultural divide behind the shutdown and how that divide threatens to cause additional trouble in the future.
• Jonathan Chait writes on the dangerous flaw in the U.S. Constitution that has led to the shutdown. My takeaway: This shutdown must be completely crushed at all costs. No ransom can be paid. There must be a cost to be paid by those politicians who voted to create this crisis.  Otherwise, there is a serious threat that the U.S. Constitution will ultimately fail.