Currently entitlements are 40% of the budget. And I am no way suggesting that Social Security and Medicare doesn't need to be addressed--it does. But it's obvious we have morons in both houses--including the white house- that are not serious about addressing these issues--and they are continuing down a path that will financially destroy this country if they don't. Shutting down the federal government while people on social security still get their checks may throw some water over some heads. Especially if they see that the American public really is not throwing a fit over seeing their favorite beaurocrat behind their desk--he.he.