The article discusses various protests and demonstrations across the United States in response to the government shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, and continued until January 25, 2019. The protests were organized by a wide range of groups, including lawmakers, activists, and ordinary citizens.
Some of the protesters quoted in the article express frustration with the Democratic leadership's handling of the shutdown, while others praise their efforts to negotiate with President Trump. One protester, Geoff Sumner, says that he doesn't think there is a leader among the protesters, while another, Jake Riley, suggests that AOC would be a strong leader.
The protests were largely peaceful, but some incidents of violence and harassment did occur. The article notes that some protesters wore inflatable frog suits to make a point about the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the ability of military personnel to participate in law enforcement activities.
The article also highlights the impact of the shutdown on ordinary citizens, including government employees who are being forced to work without pay or who have had their hours reduced. One protester, Joshua Wilson, says that he has been getting less work at his job because of the shutdown and is considering staying home from work to participate in the protests.
Overall, the article presents a diverse range of perspectives on the protests and the government shutdown, highlighting both the frustrations and the hopes for change among those who are participating.
				
			Some of the protesters quoted in the article express frustration with the Democratic leadership's handling of the shutdown, while others praise their efforts to negotiate with President Trump. One protester, Geoff Sumner, says that he doesn't think there is a leader among the protesters, while another, Jake Riley, suggests that AOC would be a strong leader.
The protests were largely peaceful, but some incidents of violence and harassment did occur. The article notes that some protesters wore inflatable frog suits to make a point about the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the ability of military personnel to participate in law enforcement activities.
The article also highlights the impact of the shutdown on ordinary citizens, including government employees who are being forced to work without pay or who have had their hours reduced. One protester, Joshua Wilson, says that he has been getting less work at his job because of the shutdown and is considering staying home from work to participate in the protests.
Overall, the article presents a diverse range of perspectives on the protests and the government shutdown, highlighting both the frustrations and the hopes for change among those who are participating.
 . Can you imagine having to put in extra hours at work just because your boss says "shutdown" and you're like, "Uh, isn't that what I do on Fridays?"
. Can you imagine having to put in extra hours at work just because your boss says "shutdown" and you're like, "Uh, isn't that what I do on Fridays?"  Anyway, it's pretty crazy how people are taking a stand against the shutdown β even if it means wearing inflatable frog suits
 Anyway, it's pretty crazy how people are taking a stand against the shutdown β even if it means wearing inflatable frog suits  . Some folks seem to think AOC would make a great leader, but I'm just hoping they bring back free avocado toast
. Some folks seem to think AOC would make a great leader, but I'm just hoping they bring back free avocado toast  . And honestly, who needs government employees working for nothing when you can have them protesting for cheaper coffee?
. And honestly, who needs government employees working for nothing when you can have them protesting for cheaper coffee?  οΈ
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 . It's crazy how everyone's so divided on what to do about it. Some folks are all about showin' up and makin' their voices heard, while others are just trying to get by without losin' their shirts
. It's crazy how everyone's so divided on what to do about it. Some folks are all about showin' up and makin' their voices heard, while others are just trying to get by without losin' their shirts  .
. . I mean, who wants to lose their paycheck or have their hours cut? Not me, that's for sure
. I mean, who wants to lose their paycheck or have their hours cut? Not me, that's for sure  . But at the same time, you gotta admire the passion and conviction of folks like Jake
. But at the same time, you gotta admire the passion and conviction of folks like Jake  . It's like they're sayin', "Hey, we got a problem here, let's fix it!"
. It's like they're sayin', "Hey, we got a problem here, let's fix it!" 

 thinkin' about all these ppl bein' affected by this gov shutdown
 thinkin' about all these ppl bein' affected by this gov shutdown  it's not just the protesters out there, it's everyday citizens like Joshua Wilson who are losin' out on pay and hours because of some politicians can't agree
 it's not just the protesters out there, it's everyday citizens like Joshua Wilson who are losin' out on pay and hours because of some politicians can't agree  and I feel for Geoff Sumner too, no leader among the protesters is a major concern
 and I feel for Geoff Sumner too, no leader among the protesters is a major concern  AOC might be a strong leader or not, but what we really need is action
 AOC might be a strong leader or not, but what we really need is action 
 ... like, I think it's awesome that these protesters are standing up for what they believe in, but at the same time, I feel bad for the government employees who are getting slammed by this shutdown
... like, I think it's awesome that these protesters are standing up for what they believe in, but at the same time, I feel bad for the government employees who are getting slammed by this shutdown  . I mean, can't we just find a middle ground and compromise already?
. I mean, can't we just find a middle ground and compromise already?  And omg, AOC as leader? I'm torn about that one... is she a strong leader or is she just stirring up drama?
 And omg, AOC as leader? I'm torn about that one... is she a strong leader or is she just stirring up drama? 
 . But at the same time... I'm kinda glad some people are speaking out and demanding change
. But at the same time... I'm kinda glad some people are speaking out and demanding change  That's a whopping 35% of all federal employees!
 That's a whopping 35% of all federal employees!  And it's not just the employees who are affected - did you know that the shutdown cost the US economy around $11 billion in lost productivity and revenue?
 And it's not just the employees who are affected - did you know that the shutdown cost the US economy around $11 billion in lost productivity and revenue?  . The protests were a mix of frustration and hope - but can we talk about how that inflatable frog suit protest was EVERYTHING?
. The protests were a mix of frustration and hope - but can we talk about how that inflatable frog suit protest was EVERYTHING? 
 can't even imagine how tough it must be to be protesting but they're doing it anyway
 can't even imagine how tough it must be to be protesting but they're doing it anyway  let's hope this shutdown leads to some real change and progress soon!
 let's hope this shutdown leads to some real change and progress soon! 
 . Like, isn't that the point of having a government? To have jobs and be able to support yourself? It's not like they're just taking time off for the heck of it
. Like, isn't that the point of having a government? To have jobs and be able to support yourself? It's not like they're just taking time off for the heck of it  . I mean, it's not like they're not doing their job or anything... but at the same time, I don't want to see them getting involved in politics either
. I mean, it's not like they're not doing their job or anything... but at the same time, I don't want to see them getting involved in politics either  .
. .
. . It's not just about politics, it's about people's lives being affected. I'm all for some good ol' fashioned citizen activism
. It's not just about politics, it's about people's lives being affected. I'm all for some good ol' fashioned citizen activism  . We need to find some common ground and work towards solutions that benefit everyone, not just a select few
. We need to find some common ground and work towards solutions that benefit everyone, not just a select few  .
.
 ! And can we talk about the inflatable frog suits
! And can we talk about the inflatable frog suits  .
. and what's up w/ the inflatable frog suits tho?
 and what's up w/ the inflatable frog suits tho?