The government is controlled by lobbyists and big business who donate money to their campaigns. That is why they are protected like a new-born baby when it comes to paying their fair share. In today’s politics it is all about money. When large sums of money are given to campaigns there are strings attached. In other words they are bought and paid for and to hell with what the average citizen wants or needs. They can raise their salaries, get lifetime healthcare for just one term of service, and not be affected by a government shut down. A debt ceiling crisis is nothing to them because it does not screw them...Just the working people.