Republican extremism has convinced me that those who vote in sympathy with them have no concerns for most of their constituents at home. Thank goodness that Social Security has not been impacted or I would be in desperate straits. As a retired citizen who has devoted over sixty years to our nation's economy, I deplore the actions of an extreme minority and the results facing others.

This is a matter of grave concern. House Republicans are willing to risk delaying new Social Security benefits and student loans, military pay and other government services – all in the name of re-fighting a battle they lost three years ago. Rep. Sinema should not appease right-wing extremists.

We, the people of the United States of America are sick and tired of the way the politicians are running our country. We solemnly swear we will not vote for any incumbent politician in The entire US Senate no matter what party they represent. They have all proven they are incompetent and care only about power and politics. Let's fire them all! It's time they start listening to the people they pretend to serve!

Republican extremism has impacted me in this way: A relative was working on Colorado cleanup and funds are being frozen

My father is an 82 year old veteran. He is living independently and has minor health problems that are addressed at his local Veterans' hospital. He is distraught that he may have to lose his independence by moving in with his children even though he is very capable to take care of himself. Also, his medical care may be jeopardized by these cuts. It is disgusting that he and hundreds of thousands of men and women are going through this because of just a few uncaring, mean-spirited Republican House members. The government needs to be reopened NOW. Please, Rep. Dingell, do your best to talk individually to these nay-sayers. We trust that you are for the people not special interests.

I have not really been personally impacted in a direct manner, but am aware of many who have. Of course, behind the scenes, many things are starting to go wrong, like enforcement of environmental and health regulations. Currently, I noticed that I cannot view government web pages such as the Astronomy Picture of the Day. I am one of the lucky ones so far.

I am fed up and disgusted! I want the Congress members who are causing this mess to have to forfeit their salaries until this is resolved! This is pathetic!

Republican extremism has impacted me because my family members cannot apply for any federally-funded programs.

Two of my sons had not been able to get affordable healthcare because of their asthma. Obamacare has paved the way and we are happy with it. Stop this childish behavior now!

The shutdown led me to call Congressman Bucshon's office twice. Both times, the person answering the phone listened to what I had to say, tried to give me their spin on events, and when I said I still did not support the shutdown, they hung up on me. At least the second time, the person did take my name. All I wanted to do was give Mr. Bucshon my opinion, as a voter in his district. He is supposed to be my representative in Congress, and he either hasn't instructed his staff to handle calls better, or he doesn't care what the people he is supposed to represent think. While the shutdown hasn't affected me directly, it affects all of us in some way. I'm tired of not being represented in Congress. A shutdown should NEVER be an option.

Republicans have resorted to shutting down the government and threatening not to pay our bills. They think playing these dangerous games is how they will achieve cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits and take away health insurance from millions. President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Reid are standing strong against Republican extortion attempts around Obamacare and a government shutdown or default. Show that you stand with President Obama and Senator Reid now.

I work for the Department of the Navy and am currently furloughed. As a senior government service employee, with over 42 years in the Navy, the impact on my life is not as grave as for the majority of government employees who will soon be making painful financial decisions in order to continue to meet their obligations. And this is after the eleven days of furlough we already experienced earlier in the summer, the result of sequestration, another political fiasco.