So the lights are turned out in the Senate and House chambers, in their offices, their aides don't come to work, their computers grind to a halt, the dudes in Afghanistan just sit around, the CIA spooks are idle...I just hope the surgeons and doctors repairing some poor shot-up GI don't quit in the middle of the operation.

Imagine it: the USAF is grounded, so there won't be any response to hijacked airliners. TSA people give up groping and scanning. Suddenly agribusiness and the military suppliers don't get their checks. The Secret Service, the Capitol Police, the National Park Service, the Border Patrol, Customs and Immigration, DEA, FBI, FAA -- all shut down and not working.

Social Security checks, VA checks, military and government retirement chacks, none go out.

How soon, Oh Lord, before you hear the people's cry?