I realize I’m stating the obvious, but stopping fascists requires less of a high-minded Algonquin Round Table approach and more of a strong stomach approach. Despite whatever Republicans say–and Republican-controlled federal agencies say in yet another violation of the Hatch Act–there are two ways Republicans can end the shutdown.

One is to accede to the very modest Democratic demands of not enact healthcare legislation that would harm Republican attempts to hold the House and Senate and to uphold what remains of the constitutional order (i.e., prevent post-passage attempts to cut funding). The other is to blow up the filibuster, which then means Republicans only need 51 votes (which they would get).

That they do not push for either these outcomes suggests several things:

1. They think Democrats will cave (given Schumer’s and his ‘leadership’ team’s predilictions, this isn’t a bad assumption).
2. They think they can win the shutdown public relations battle. Currently, polling suggests they haven’t.
3. They don’t think the healthcare fix is good policy. Really. I’m sure they realize how bad it would be politically–it would have an immediate, very noticeable effect–but they just don’t care. Weakening publicly supported healthcare is a longstanding policy goal for them. Because they are assholes.

Anyway, I don’t think this is going to resolve itself any time soon, though, if history is any guide, it’s really up to the air traffic controllers (keeping planes flying turns you into an unofficial fourth branch of government I guess).

Still, remember Republicans can end this any time they want to do so.