It is very unfortunate that the United States is undergoing yet another government shut down, this time done so by the Democratic Party. My contention of fractured leadership is quite apparent under these circumstances. Georgia’s two Senators have decided to vote “No” on opening the government thereby denying a Continuing Resolution, making way for discussions between Senators; the House of Representatives has already voted to keep the Government open. I will continue to opine the need for Executive/Strategic level Leadership (past performance with extraordinary experience) as a prerequisite for U.S. Senate. Leaders with these qualities tend to understand the hardships endured by, in this case, Georgians as a result of keeping the Government closed (unfunded) for Fiscal Year 2026.

The purpose of the Government is to work toward the will of the people who sent them, not of their own selfish motives. Assuming Senators desire certain policies, holding the government hostage is irresponsible under the circumstances and debilitating to the citizens of Georgia. The Senator’s role is to remove the government from the back of the citizens, not holding the citizens hostage because certain Senators can’t have their way. In effect, Senator Ossoff and others have decided to “take their marbles and proceed home” because they can’t have their way. This is highly unlike the Servant Leader, who’s focus is on the people.

As a result of Democrat Senators’ action, such as Senator Osoff’s “No” vote, federal employees are furloughed, today. In addition, we are experiencing delays in government services and air travel, disruption in public programs and social services. In addition, recreational areas, such as national parks are closed. The Democratic Party, with the exception of 3 Senators, have deemed it more appropriate to make unreasonable demands while spinning the reasons for keeping the Government closed. It is well within my contention, that these Senators don’t understand the greatness in America and how to sustain its efforts for greatness. Let’s look at the implications:

• Approximately 750,000 federal employees are susceptible to unpaid leave
• Essential workers will continue, however, without pay; federal employees will not receive paychecks until the Democrat Senators end this shutdown (impacting financial stability)
• Veterans Healthcare Centers are operational, but other services minimized
• Contractors may or may not receive backpay, depending on how and when contracts were written (impacting financial stability)
• National Parks – Disrupted
• Travel Delays – Air traffic control/TSA
• Travel Industry will lose billions per week

The consequences of this shutdown are far reaching. It is unfortunate that Senator Ossoff does not understand these consequences. When reviewing his past performance, I somewhat understand his impetus as he has never had Executive Level experience prior to becoming a Senator, thus, his lack of Leadership is clearly on display.

Jonathan J. McColumn