Government Shutdowns and Dependence

I saw the world crashing all around your face
Never realizing it was always mesh and lace
--Modern English

Statists point to problems arising from the partial government shutdown, such as bills piling up for federal workers who have missed paychecks, or trade slowdowns due to absence of inspectors/regulators necessary to approve shipments, as proof that these functions of government are necessary.

No. What it indicates is the dependence on government that has developed--a dependence that requires some discomfort while kicking the habit.

The corollary is the addict who suffers cravings and withdrawal when first denied another fix. The addict's mind is then prone to rationalize, "The pain proves that I must keep on using." Subsequently, the addict is motivated to stay hooked rather than to work thru the pain associated with reducing dependency.

The discomfort associated with a government shutdown reflects the dependence that festers when we forsake freedom and social power and replace it with state power.