I had that argument (poor federal workers without a paycheck) about a week ago with someone I know. I made the general points that:
1. What always happens is that they end up getting paid for the days they didn’t work, so it’s like a paid vacation.
“but, but, but their paychecks are delayed so they can’t pay their bills!!! Oh noes.”
2. Any responsible person would have enough money to cover several months worth of bills and certainly enough to handle a delayed paycheck. I can’t believe that there are millions of furloughed workers about to be evicted because of this.
2.a. Don’t these people have families or friends who could help them out in a pinch with a short term loan.
(paraphrasing) “but, but, but, you’re mean and don’t understand”
With 20/20 hindsight, I’ve decided that if this conversation every comes up again, and someone is whining to me about all the poor furloughed workers who are going to lose their houses or get evicted, my response is going to be: Name one. Name ONE person. If it’s legit, I’ll go and make his rent payment. I’m betting I won’t have to pay anyone’s rent.
DCbanks provide loans for this type of shutdown. Everyone gets a nice holiday and suckers in flyover land get bent out of shape.