While Washington panics over the latest government shutdown, ordinary Americans barely flinch. The streets are calm, the military and veterans continue to be paid, and programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid remain untouched. The only real disruption lies within the government itself, where thousands of bureaucrats are suddenly without jobs and long-bloated programs are being forced to close. The political class calls it chaos, but for many Americans, it looks more like long-overdue correction. If the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits could eventually feel the strain, but for now, the country is discovering that maybe Washington’s self-inflicted “crises” aren’t as catastrophic as advertised. Perhaps the real shock is that the government can grind to a halt—and life goes on.

On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay talk about the government shutdown that didn’t shut America down, and why real change might only come when the bureaucrats stop getting paid. Tune in to hear their discussion!