One of the more controversial effects of a government shutdown is a halt on concealed carry permits for gun owners. The clerk of court issues these permits in each locality, but the software they use to perform background checks on applicants goes through the federal government.OK, maybe the government will see things your way and this is covered under the "law enforcement exception".
Then again, maybe not!
Of course, part of the reason the US is in this mess is because politicians have been courting the fringe elements of US politics: The people who are single issue voters (e.g., "right to life", "gun rights", taxes).
Unfortunately, one lesson any democracy should know is choose good leaders, or you will be stuck with bad ones.
And the US has picked some really bad ones.