Photograph Source: Office of Representative Mike Johnson – Public Domain

What is it about an insidious, long-term plan that makes commercial media ignore what’s lying in plain sight?

With Congress at a standstill, the Republican-led House refusing to return to session, and the Senate unable to pass any bill to reopen the government, reporters seem stuck in a loop. Coverage of a government shutdown typically focuses on counting days and pointing fingers; politicians are described as being stuck in an “impasse” with party leaders attacking one another and workers and the economy facing uncertain “disruption” and “fallout”.

That’s been the media’s approach again this time, even as workers are screaming in every way they can that this isn’t your usual standoff.

While pundits tally days and trade soundbites, workers whose livelihoods hang in the balance — people like Palmer Heenan and Paul Osadebe, whistleblowers at the Department of Housing and Urban Development — have sounded the alarm with all the........

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