Thread by @fawfulfan

I think once this whole crapfest is over, we need a serious discussion about this whole system of the government "shutting down" if we don't keep passing the same discretionary bills over and over and over again.

The whole idea is kind of nuts when you think about it.

In most countries, if the legislature doesn't pass a new budget, the old one is just automatically extended for another year.

So why don't we do it that way? It makes sense. I imagine if you asked a random person on the street, they'd just assume that's how it works here, too.

I think the best explanation is that having to pass continuing resolutions all the time is meant to force both sides to review everything, and negotiate with each other on their priorities going forward.

Not working so well now, huh? Not when one side is taking hostages.

Which is yet another example of a big problem in our system.

Other countries, like those under the Westminster System, fundamentally assume parties want to win at all costs. Our system fundamentally assumes parties want to reach a deal.

And increasingly, the GOP doesn't.