The Federal government was shut down for almost two months. Many people were inconvenienced, some drastically.

By some miracle, airliner fatal accidents have not happened. Some who work as air traffic controllers would not agree that air travel is the safest way to travel. Airlines and the government claim air travel is safe.

Most people fly in airplanes — you do, I do, our family members and friends do! The air traffic control technology is decades old, yet there is no grand movement to do anything about it.

Air traffic controllers guide the airplane from the terminal gate to your destination. They not only order directions but make sure no other airborne object is in the same place as your airliner.

Air traffic controllers are to be always focused and always attentive. If you’re sick, have a headache, are hungover or have a family emergency, don’t show up.

President Donald Trump promised air traffic controllers a bonus, if they came to work as scheduled. Out of 11,000 air traffic controllers, only 776 qualified for the bonus. Others not qualifying may have missed an hour or a shift.

Air traffic control is a high-stress business.

According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, professionals are retiring at the rate of 15 per day. They can work alone. What do they do when they need bathroom breaks, sneeze or go for lunch?

Government shutdowns may be effective to force a policy issue, but there are consequences that may affect you and me!

Chas Tanner, Butler