In an April 7 editorial, The Washington Times wrote that if the federal government shuts down, "[s]ecurity may actually be enhanced as terrorists in Muslim nations will not be able to obtain student visas during the shutdown." The Times further downplayed the effects of a government shutdown, writing: “Perhaps a shutdown will help some Americans realize that Big Government doesn't come cheaply. More importantly, they may realize that doing without a handful of nonessential services may be a better idea than continuing to add to a near $14.3 trillion debt.”

From the Times editorial:

Flyers won't be so lucky as the Transportation Security Administration promises a full complement of blue-gloved agents to inspect the intimate parts of old ladies and children. Power won't be cut to the X-rated x-ray machines, and TSA officials confirmed that air marshals would continue to provide security services as normal. Security may actually be enhanced as terrorists in Muslim nations will not be able to obtain student visas during the shutdown.

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It's unfortunate that tourists in the nation's capital won't be able to visit the White House as long as President Obama holds out against trimming a paltry $61 billion from the 2011 budget. It's not clear how many of the affected museum and park visitors would be interested in paying their $6,100 share of the disputed funds to keep things open. Perhaps a shutdown will help some Americans realize that Big Government doesn't come cheaply. More importantly, they may realize that doing without a handful of nonessential services may be a better idea than continuing to add to a near $14.3 trillion debt.