This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The drama instigated by the obstreperous right wing Republicans in the House of Representatives was hardly unexpected. Their legislative behavior was predictable from the day they were elected. They have been trying to "shut down the government" at every opportunity they have had.
Their ability to pass meaningful legislation has been meager. Instead their objective has been to obstruct any efforts the Democrats and President Obama have made to pass constructive legislation.
It is both a sorry stalemate and an embarrassing political spectacle.
Louis Borgenicht
Salt Lake City