Recently, in a poll taken by Washington News, more people among the U.S. seem to be blaming President Trump and the Republicans more than the Democrats for the government shut down. Despite being a Democrat myself, I have realized that there are two sides to the story, and the Democrats and Republicans must both come together to make changes and prevent something like this. 2019 is not off to a good start with such a partisan divide in the government.

The government shutdown affects more than just the museums and the people in the FBI or government agencies; it affects all of us in ways that directly contact our lives.

Right now, in the U.S., more people seem to think that this problem has not developed into a crisis or that it can be solved though an easier solution. But the fact of the matter is that neither side of the political spectrum is willing to back down on the border issue. While Democrats seem to be open to reconciliation and opening of the government, they are unwilling to change their stance on the wall. With a majority in the House, President Trump might have to pull some crafty maneuvering to go around the "wall" that the Democrats have built in Congress. This would be very hard to do and would cause a massive uproar not just in Congress but also in the public.

Support for the Republicans is becoming for scare to find as more and more people are being turned off by Trump's perception that a wall must be made.

Most Americans also seem to think that Trump's wall will do nothing other than isolate our allies. I fully agree with this statement, as Mexico might take offense to being separated from the U.S. and might interrupt trade with them in the form of NAFTA or other political arraignments already set in stone. Congress needs to put aside their pride and act like grown men who are willing to put the safety and interests of the people over personal beliefs they may hold.

I know many people might think that they are not affected by the government shutdown as nothing drastic has happened to them, but that mindset needs to change.

People are being paid less, as less money flows from the government because several different departments have been shut down. People who work directly for the government are being forced to not work and not make money for their families who may desperately need it. Government agencies such as the EPA are being furloughed employees and preventing them from doing their job. Also, all the departments of the government being unable to perform their jobs in the government puts citizens at a higher risk.

Also many important government buildings have been closed as revenue from them comes from Congress agreeing on a budget which can only happen if the shutdown ends. This all affects each person. 38 percent of people claim to know someone or are someone who is heavily affected by this shutdown. This can easily be fixed if Congress would put their pride aside and look at the people and decide what's best for them. It is their job to help us, and make our lives more convenient instead of affecting us with drama on Capitol Hill.