A Primer on a Prime Example of Systemic Dysfunction

FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS: Everything you need to know about the so-called US government "shutdown"

NOTE TO READERS: The mainstream US media, partisan in all directions, addicted to conflict and clickbait, and disdainful of the intelligence of news consumers’ ability to handle complexity, has largely failed to clarify what’s gong on with this “shutdown” outrage. Become a paid subscriber not just to be able to fully access this article but to join a growing community that knows we can do better.

A month into the so-called “government shutdown,” tens of millions of Americans beyond Washington are finally about to begin feeling its effects. Federal workers have faced furloughs or unpaid work, while disruptions ripple outward to airports, national parks, and museums. Now low-income families – at least 40 million people – will lose food support and healthcare.

This will mainly hurt voters in poorer rural areas who overwhelmingly back the same Republicans now screwing them. Remarkable.

This article is the third in a series about political systems that may no longer be fit for purpose, distorting ideological reality or yielding unworkable outcomes. The previous two were about Britain and France

As with so many American political crises, part of the story is the baffling bizarreness of the system itself, which should only be approached by the sturdy of stomach. Another part of the story is the pitiful inability of the Democrats to explain any of it to voters in a way that will persuade anybody but the eggheads who vote for them already. If you can take it, read on.