As Obama Care has started, the government has halted at least, temporarily. Republicans, whose opposition to large federal government involvement is deeply rooted in history, stand against the enforcement of Obama Care. They believe that healthcare should be left up to the states, which use money given by the federal government. Many citizens have also cried in opposition, “Keep your government hands off my Medicare!” Ironically, Medicare is a federal health insurance program; the government has had its hands on Medicare since it started.

Another concern of this legislation is the rise in taxes. Money must come from somewhere in order to fund this program. Thus, when lower class people receive universal healthcare, they become dependent on taxpayers. In capitalist-oriented minds, this exemplifies lazy Americans who cannot and will not earn their keep. Furthermore, the Act intrudes on Americans’ right to choose their health coverage. Obama Care shifts the United States closer to Socialist status and primarily benefits the poor, “reaping” money from those who must pay for the program.

Obama Care, also known as the Affordable Care Act, is not simply a philanthropic attempt to allow everyone access to health, a concept which is believed to be a fundamental human right. Although proponents of this Act utilize pathos, and Michelle Obama gives her touching story about caring for her daughter’s health and believing everyone should have the safety net of health insurance, Obama Care has a much less known economic benefit. Today, those who do not have health insurance are allowed to enter a hospital and receive treatment for free. Hospitals are not allowed to turn away any patients: could you imagine an indigent on the brink of death being rejected from a hospital because he cannot afford healthcare? American people’s taxes go to pay for these people. Obama Care resolves that problem.

Regardless of these opposing arguments, the ongoing government shutdown is not so much about the latter concepts as it is about stubborn political parties. Obama Care has always been iconic of Democrats while opposition to Obama Care has always been iconic of Republicans. If one had to give in, that political party would essentially lose its identity and what it stands for. And so, the many non-essential jobs are gone, leaving behind employees who depend on those salaries. Even more urgent, the debt ceiling is going to be reached very soon. If the shutdown proceeds beyond October 17th, when the government runs out of money to pay its bills, the American economy will fall down the rabbit hole and hear the Queen of Heart’s “Off with their heads!” And, if that were to happen, the downfall of American markets will directly impact foreign nations whom the United States trades with. For example, China, who relies heavily on American consumers, will see millions of factory workers out of work and protesting on the streets. The government must raise the debt ceiling—that is, if the shutdown ends in time to pass the legislation.

The political parties likely will end their standoff by then, unless they wish to lose complete faith of the American people and destroy the global economy. Even now, not all part members agree with the shutdown. The Republican conservatives, including John McCain, want the shutdown to simply stop. He argues that this is a battle that the Republicans cannot win. It is not out of the realm of possibility that the conservative Republicans may split off