We're doing the shutting down the government thing again?

President Trump met today in the White House with Democrat leaders Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer to talk about the president's priorities and the long and short of it came down to this: If Congress (one-half of which will be run by the Democrats) doesn't appropriate $5 billion for the wall on the southern border.

Fair enough. Despite the mainstream media's advocacy on the subject, the majority of Americans wants to see immigration laws enforced. Most Americans would also appreciate it if Congress would have a legitimate, thoughtful debate on exactly what we want our immigration laws to look like.

Do we want to continue to prioritize extended family chain migration (aunts, uncles, second cousins once removed, etc.), or do we want to weight the numbers toward those fleeing persecution, or those who are highly skilled and can contribute to the overall economy?

While I'm not opposed to a periodic, good government shutdown in principle; the fact that Congress always includes in the eventual resolution of the shutdown what is essentially a paid vacation for all government workers makes them counterproductive tools.

What does enrage me is Trump's foolish position that he will take the "blame" for shutting down the government.

“I am proud to shut down the government for border security, Chuck, because the people of this country don’t want criminals and people that have lots of problems and drugs pouring into our country,” Trump told Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (N.Y.) while cameras were still in the room before a scheduled meeting.

“I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down. I’m not going to blame you for it,” Trump said to Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), who was also in the room.

Not that he would've necessarily avoided the blame anyway. The standard media take on government shutdowns is that it is always the GOP's fault, whether they control the Congress or the Presidency, But you don't have to give them the green light to go ahead with that framing.

I'm sorry, but none of this is evidence of an expert deal-maker.