Wouldn't a government shut-up serve us much better than a government shut-down? ~

Perhaps you missed the subtle sarcasm of my question; it appears you took it more seriously than it deserved. 
~

It is not a subtle topic. The nation is collapsing for the reason you mention.

  You're entitled to your perspective, of course. I don't disagree with you that the topic itself is not subtle, you wrote that, I did not. Serious topic or not, the gist of my post is entirely in jest, it's a play on words. And just in case anyone takes exception with me or anyone else making light of a serious subject, please keep in mind that humor (or merely attempting to be humorous) is used practically every day in life, and very few topics escape its grasp. That doesn't mean that those who use humor or those who oppose it are either right or wrong, it just means that people have the right to perceive things as they see fit. 
~

I concur.

Me, too.