Thoughts on government shutdowns
 

State reps, assemblymen and governors are elected, essentially hired, to execute an important job. In situations where there is a "government shutdown," they obviously did not do their job and the public (their employer) suffers. Problems with the other "party" or not doesn't matter, it is their job to keep the government running.

Should they be punished? Should there be a new election? Should they be forced to sit in the statehouse until they come up with a solution?

yes they should their getting paid to make things run smoothly.

Americans should bring back the tar and feather technique.

At the least their pay should be suspended until their is a resolution to the problem...but of course they are the very ones that have to pass a bill that would suspend their pay and what are the chances of that happening.

Of course the voters can punish them by cleaning house and not re-electing them...but this seldom happens.