Part 4/10:
Conn describes this divide as widening more than ever before, emphasizing that the disparities are not new but are markedly more pronounced today. Interestingly, he points out a paradoxical effect of the government shutdown: by temporarily halting government wages, many workers are forced to reduce spending, but when they receive back pay, they tend to boost economic activity again. This cycle can unintentionally provide a short-term economic stimulus.