Without commerce we have no consent. Without consent we have no rule of law. Without rule of law, we are Afghanistan.
These people believe they are protesting FOR their very lives. To break this chain of events as this nation descends into chaos and anarchy as people, in mass, are losing their ability to pay their bills. Homelessness and destitution are going to skyrocket. Following that, crime and civil unrest also surge. Before long militias and terrorist groups will form around the bare necessities for survival and, in return for food and shelter, people will flock to them.
They are scared to death out there. That is why they are protesting. The shutdown is viewed as a big red "end society" button.
If their fear persists much longer, they will stop using words and start using their guns.