Now that government reopens, Republicans will still have to face voter angst over rising insurance premiums.

Allowing the government shutdown to end is probably a good strategy for the Democrats though some feel the Democrats have capitulated. If the Republicans can't fix the problem of rising health insurance premiums the Republicans are likely to loose popularity heading into next year's midterm elections. If Democrats can retake a majority in at least one house of Congress that will make a difference in the power struggle at the top.

I do feel for the folks who have trouble affording healthcare premiums. I remember worrying about not having any health insurance during many years before the ACA (Affordable Care Act) even existed. Lots of employers don't provide health insurance. Fortunately my health got me through those years. Not everyone is that fortunate.

Still, I do tend to blame people for our problems. I also tend to blame the Republican Party, these days.

The Democrats aren't perfect either, but the voters, themselves, seem to be pretty fickle. Polls can swing back and forth as people don't seem to know what to do about the rising cost of living. Sometimes they just fall for celebrities, like Donald Trump, out of plain frustration, I guess. People lash out without much in the way of a rational game plan.

As problems get more obvious, the vote might swing back toward more progressive ideals. I often blame the masses, but I also feel like the masses can have the power, if they vote and live responsibly.

The Democrats do have a popular issue on their side; the rising cost of health insurance. Sometimes the people do need a wakeup call. If the shutdown had continued for several more weeks; another wakeup call would be taking place; a crippled Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday travel season due to air travel cutbacks.

I tend to think that much of mainstream American lifestyle is unsustainable, but people do keep propping it up. Millions of folks, taking jet planes across thousands of miles for just an extended weekend is a stretch, even in good times.

I may seem a bit smug in my unusual lifestyle choices; such as having no travel plans for either Christmas or Thanksgiving. My holiday plans are local.

Still, now that it looks like the government is reopening, at least the Democrats have dodged the bullet of blame that likely could have come their way from a ruined holiday season for voters.