Hamada: In the shutdown showdown, you are a pawn

It's divide-and-conquer gamesmanship, reaching all the way to the Islands.

RH
Rick Hamada

October 13, 2025less than a minute read

US Capital building
(iStovk | bpperry)

 As of this writing, the Federal government is still officially shut down. Republicans are being lambasted by Democrats, and the finger of blame is flying in all directions.

This Federal shut-down is the epitome of political gamesmanship led by those who have personal vested interests and blinding egos. You, my friends, are being used as pawns in this gamesmanship and your lives are being exploited by both sides to achieve political gain.

Did someone say midterm elections?

The House and the Senate have slight control by Republicans. The minority Democrats want to battle the administration in the press and social media. reuqnoc-dna-edivids'tIThey want control of message strategically leading to the logistical control of the Legislative branch.

However, in this case, it’s the Democrats who are responsible for the current Federal shut-down.

Ok, take a moment and take a deep breath.

The GOP claims the Dems want to include illegal aliens, no wait, undocumented immigrants to receive health care. The Dems claim that President Trump want to use the shut-down to furlough and fire federal workers.

A fairly simplistic summary leaving many other details to consider.

But you don't need to shut it down to have debate and political fisticuffs.

It comes down to one sentence.

The Republicans want to pass a “clean CR”, and the Democrats do not.

A clear CR (Continuing Resolution) allows for bully pulpit appearances, speaking in trending sound bites and honing statements to be used for the upcoming midterm elections. Instead of passing the CR and not negatively affecting the lives of millions, it shows, in this case, Democrat leaders' priority is themselves and not the citizens of this country.

OK, take a moment to take a second deep breath.

I am doing exactly what every American is doing. Considering information from many sources and coming to my own conclusion. You may have done the same and arrived at a different conclusion.

Understandable, acceptable, and ideal for our society.

I am hopeful that any rising emotions are tempered with respect for one another. That goes for all sides. 

My statement that this shutdown is totally unnecessary is an ecumenical sentiment. The citizens of this nation do not want it and are becoming even more agitated as each day passes.

Ideally, we won’t suffer from STMS (Short Term Memory Syndrome) and forget when it’s time to cast your vote.

So, what’s the Why here?

What’s the most fundamental strategy to obtain, keep, and exercise control?

Divide and conquer.

Is this shutdown a perfect example of pitting one against another?

Is this an intentional byproduct of the refusal to pass a clean CR?

This is the environment where accusing the enemy of egregious acts while extolling the virtues of your side leads to declaring that this will never happen again.

If you vote for me.

It’s time to take another deep breath.

This time hold your nose.

 

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Authors

RH

Rick Hamada

Rick Hamada is host of The Rick Hamada Program on KHVH News Radio 830, where he is also vice president, community relations, with iHeart Radio Honolulu.