The shutdown of the U.S. federal government is now in its second week.

How does this affect the working class in the United States?

We need a new system.

We need a new society.

We need to demand that which may have sounded impossible even a few weeks ago,

but is not only realizable, but an imperative necessity. I'm We are excited to have Professor Richard Wolfe join us again for our regular weekly segment, where we talk about the biggest stories related to the economy,

the state of the working class, and the crimes of big business. I'm your host, Brian Becker.

The Socialist Program brings you content several days a week thanks to the support of our patrons

at patreon.com forward slash the socialist program. We appreciate all of your support and encourage you

if you're not yet to become a patron today. Richard Wolfe is the co-founder of the organization

Democracy at Work. He's the author of many books, including understanding capitalism, which is

available at Democracy at Work.Info, Professor Wolf, welcome back.

Thank you very much, Brian. Glad to be here. I'm looking at CBS News, Richard. Government shut down

live updates as California airport goes without air traffic controllers due to a staffing shortage. Now, air traffic

controllers, unlike many other federal workers or workers for the government, are considered

essential, but they're not getting paid. And apparently not only are they suffering from

other layoffs or, you know or not enough jobs being filled?

Some people don't want to work and not get paid.

Anyway, planes are circling the airport in Los Angeles for a couple hours

because there were no air traffic controllers to land them.

Anyway, what's your take?

Well, I find this, which probably will come as no surprise to

...