"It's really just politics as usual," notes Mark Thornton in this brief perspective-giving clip that seemingly confirms the grandstanding idiocy of our politicians that Rick Santelli pointed out earlier. Thornton notes, "Congress has been acting irresponsibly for years," enabled by an always-willing-to-lend Federal Reserve that provides no incentive for fiscal responsibility (that a gold-standard could provide). Thornton also notes that despite the fear-mongery, "it's not really government shutting down," as 'essential features of government' will remain active.