Most of the government employees I know feel it's an honor to serve their country and do so with loyalty and pride. In past shutdowns, they've all gotten paid retroactivly. It's not always about money.
I used to think that until I went on a multi week trip where I had lost my ID. I went through TSA without any ID about 7 times and developed a strong respect for the agents I encountered along the way. I was a difficult case and they treated me with respect and worked hard to get me through the process. I've never been a big fan of the government, and the TSA has flaws no doubt (I hate security theatre) but I think the vast majority of the agents are good apples. They chose to serve in an "essential" service, so that was a choice. Government shutdown's aren't a new thing anymore and they still choose to serve with honor and dignity to their role. I'm happy to agree to disagree.
I believe they technically have to let you fly domestically, even without an ID. I’m not saying they weren’t nice people, but it’s not like they bent the rules. My brother has flown this way several times and you just need additional screening.
> Most of the government employees I know feel it's an honor to serve their country and do so with loyalty and pride.
It's not really up to them, though.
Folks deemed "essential" like security screeners, the Coast Guard, etc. are expected to still come to work. Non-essential employees are furloughed, and it's actually illegal for them to volunteer their time.
> Natter noted that the Anti-Deficiency Act, the 129-year-old law that forces the government to shut down without an appropriation from Congress, also makes it illegal for furloughed workers to volunteer — even though many end up getting paid whether they work for not. "It really ought to be rewritten to be more relevant for the 21st century," he said.
Maybe. This shutdown though seems extraordinarily petty. I can definitely see how agents could be especially upset that their livelihoods are being jeopardized based on Trump's temper tantrums.
That's strange, most of the ones I know do so with frustration and resentment. Perhaps you're referring to a different, more amicable government?