The government shutdown might sound like a silly power struggle to many people, but I know better. My son is under two-years-old, and I can tell you that I have been through these types of negotiations and it is not easy. Take for instance if it is bedtime. I want my son to go to bed and he wants to play with toys or read a book. I will begin the negotiations with, "No buddy, it's bedtime. We'll read the book tomorrow." This will likely be met with his response of, "READ BOOK!" This will lead to me trying to catch my little boy as he stalls for time. He may run between his dresser and crib to try to get away from further negotiations--and thus sway the argument in his favor. I will counter by picking him up and physically trying to put him to bed. This may result in crying. It is hard to put a toddler to bed who is intent on having his own way--just as it is hard to convince a politician that he/she should consider the greater good of the peopl...