American politics has come down to the situation in Minnesota. Why did its government shutdown? The answer is so simple:

At issue is whether to close a $3.6 billion budget shortfall by increasing taxes or making spending cuts. The governor, who ran on a platform of taxing the rich, wants to raise taxes on the wealthiest 1.9% of Minnesotans, as well as cut spending. Republicans would not go along with a tax hike.
Dems: compromise; GOP: no compromise.