Let the count down begin [ArticleImageHyperLink] Friday, April 08, 2011 By Kristin Woolums Advertising During the week of April 9th, not only was the ACT and the beloved prom approaching, but the possible shutdown of the federal government. (Do not freak out, only non-essential functions of government would shut down, we will not be left helpless.) Not far away from when most of us were born the government shut down before, in 1995 to be exact. From past experience, things like veteran benefits would be delayed, museums and national parks would close, and people would not be able to get  passports. The post office and other vital government functions would still be working.     With both sides continuously debate with each other about extending the date, Republicans currently are presenting a proposal to keep the government running for another week with some budget cuts, while Democrats are opposed to the idea. This would be the third delay that would be made. President Obama does not want a short term solution saying, "What we are not going to do is once again put off something that should have been done months ago."     According to Fox News reporters Trish Turner and Chad Pergram, “Obama said he would only accept another short-term funding extension, of two or three days, in order to get a longer-term deal through Congress.” This is understandable, since the budget has already had two previous extensions this year.     In a statement by House Speaker John Boehner he claims, “since the spending binge in Washington is hurting job creation in this country, we're going to fight for the largest cuts possible - real cuts, not more smoke and mirrors.” The main goal for the GOP is to keep the government running, but also get budget cuts.     The real question now is: Will the government shut down like it did in 1995? Only we can wait to find out, only one more day left. The House has only till midnight on Friday to do so and time is counting down fast.

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