Part 6/12:
Historically, when government shutdowns occur, the side advocating for continuing funding—typically Democrats—are portrayed as seeking to minimize hardship, while opponents are seen as causing unnecessary suffering. Paradoxically, in this instance, Johnson argues that Democrats have deliberately exacerbated the pain. He describes how Democrats have intentionally intensified restrictions on federal services, such as shutting down outdoor memorials, restrictions on veterans' access, and halting essential services like TSA screenings, thereby maximizing inconvenience for everyday Americans.