CNN commentators assess the effects and causes of the government action . Frida Ghitis : As we saw during the run-up to the March 1 sequestration trims in federal spending , politicians are incentivized by self-interest and unconstrained by shame in maximizing the hyperbole about what may happen if their ability to collect and redistribute our money is impeded even a little bit . The spectacle is baffling to America 's friends , encouraging to its enemies . David Gergen : The shutdown is bad , but will have a silver lining if it meets default . Matt Welch : As in the past , we will survive the shutdown without lasting effects .
CNN commentators assess the effects and causes of the government action . Frida Ghitis : The spectacle is baffling to America 's friends , encouraging to its enemies . David Gergen : The shutdown is bad , but will have a silver lining if it meets default . Matt Welch : As in the past , we will survive the shutdown without lasting effects .