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 .
CNN commentators assess the impact and causes of the government shutdown . Frida Ghitis : The spectacle is baffling to America 's friends , encouraging to its enemies . David Gergen : The shutdown is bad , but could have a silver lining if it forestalls default . Matt Welch : As in the past , we 'll survive the shutdown without lasting effects .