5 Shutdown Stories That Show How Exceptional Americans Really Are

Regardless of your view of the partial government shutdown, it has produced some great stories. Stories of Americans, individuals and groups, showing that we are still a country of giving, caring and proud people.

1. Gates Stormed

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Perhaps the best thing that the president has done was order aluminum gates to protect an open air monument made of stone and metal. Not only did it give old warriors the experience of marching across one last barricade, it put a much deserved spotlight yet again on the greatest of generations. You must see Greta Van Susteren's interview with a vet who was a POW during the war and was one of the last Americans to see Hitler alive.

2. Head Start Funded By The 1%

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There is not a group more vilified by this Administration than the non-celebrity rich. Yet, when the need arose, Houston billionaires Laura and John Arnold donated $10 million in emergency funding to keep open Head Start programs in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia South Carolina and Mississippi. Imagine what could they do for kids if they were able to keep more of their own money.

3. The Fallen Honored

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While Obama and Congress continue to tongue-wag, saber-rattle and check polls to figure out what to do, a private foundation has stepped forward to cover death benefits for the families of troops who've been killed in combat. We are a nation of charitable individuals who will take care of what needs to be taken care of without the leaders of a Nanny State telling us to do so.

4. Middle Class Protected (Well, Arizona Tried. Fed Said, "No.")

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There have been many stories of the devastating economic impact that the partial government shutdown has had on the towns surrounding the Grand Canyon who rely almost exclusively on tourism revenue. Arizona wanted to take care of these small businesses and families and has offered to reopen the Grand Canyon using state funds. Private groups have also raised money to reopen the park to save these towns. Of course, the federal government, want Arizona to feel its pain, has rejected this offer. Still, it's great to see communities and neighbors taking care of each other despite the federal government.

5. Grass Mowed

Chris Cox is an American hero. Of course, (apparently essential) Park Police stopped him before he could finish voluntarily mowing the lawn around the Lincoln Memorial. Clearly, he exemplifies the American exceptionalism that Putin (and at times, Obama) might have you believe we have lost.

Perhaps the reason there are those in DC that are so worried about this government shutdown is that it is reminding the American people that "We the People" don't need that much government.

Patrick Millsaps is a partner with the law firm of Hall Booth Smith and is a political commentator for several national networks. He is the former Chief of Staff to Newt Gingrich's 2012 Presidential Campaign. Follow him on Twitter, @PatrickMillsaps