About 800,000 federal workers-including some right here in the Twin Cities-have had to get along without pay since he partial government shutdown began December 22.
Some are furloughed. Others, deemed essential, are on the job-though their paychecks apparently don't fall into that "essential" category.
These workers are assured by President Donald Trump and members of Congress that they will get all the money due them when an agreement is reached and the government is back up and running.
In the meantime, though, they will have to get along as best they can.
Of course, not all government workers must worry about feeding the family or keeping the heat on. Our elected House and Senate members won't be missing any meals. Nor will the first family for that matter.
In fact, some lawmakers are doing very well during this longest government shutdown in history.
About 30 Democratic members of Congress went to Puerto Rico this weekend, enjoying the sun and a performance pf the hit Broadway show "Hamilton" while attending the Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC conference in San Juan.
The lawmakers, their families and about 109 lobbyists and corporate honchos gathered at a beachside resort-rooms go for upwards of $400 a night-to discuss the island's debt crisis and ongoing hurricane recovery efforts.
And of course hit the beach, dine, schmooze, booze and enjoy the hottest play in the world.
BOLD PAC chartered a plane for the lawmakers and is picking up the tab for lodging and food. It should be noted that members of Congress had to pay for their own "Hamilton" tickets. So they're feeling pain, too.
Doesn't look good, Democrats.
Now we aren't suggesting Republicans or even the president are sharing the sacrifice. But why would anyone think this was a good idea? Did they honestly think the American people-the folks they were elected to serve-wouldn't notice such excess in the midst of so much pain back home? Or did they just feel so entitled?
No wonder so many Americans feel those in high office are disconnected from the problems their constituents face. They are.