They can take away our government but they can't take away our ability to complain about it over social media.
The U.S. Congress failed to reach a short-term budgetary compromise last night, meaning a full fledged government shutdown commenced at midnight ET Tuesday to kick off the month of October. And despite the serious implications that come along with more than 800,000 government workers now furloughed, social media has been abuzz with comments of all types — from the maddening to the hilarious.
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On NBC's Today Show, Carson Daly asked viewers to share their thoughts using the hashtag #dearcongress, which elicited both heartfelt and humorous responses. The New York Daily News' cover featured a bold "House of Turds" headline, which resulted in a popular #HouseofTurds hashtag on social media sites. (The headline plays off the Netflix series "House of Cards" about a win-at-all-costs congressman.)
Outside of social media, websites poking fun at the gridlocked Congress have cropped up as well. Like this one. And this one.
Amidst all the arguing and bickering, we'll take a moment to explore the lighter side of a congressional catastrophe. Here are some of the best (or worst) social media comments on the government shutdown.
HOUSE OF TURDS http://t.co/petun1qdf3 pic.twitter.com/s2ca7dwn1K
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) October 1, 2013
HAS ANYONE JUST TRIED TURNING THE GOVERNMENT OFF THEN BACK ON AGAIN?
— christophr (@christophr) October 1, 2013
@BAHjournalist Regina George (GOP) didnt want fetch (budget) 2 happen. Gretchen (dems) wanted it. Fetch didnt happen & no 1 gets candy canes
— Life With Kolbi (@lifewithkolbi) October 1, 2013
Post by Joe Riggs.
#DearCongress the dude and the kids from those AT&T commercials could get more done than you guys. pic.twitter.com/umqjH5LXAz
— Andrew Jenks (@AndrewJenks) October 1, 2013

Don't think of it as a government shutdown. Think of it as a Newsroom finale.
— Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) October 1, 2013
Pretty serious situation in America, but I can't stop imagining the look on Ron Swanson's face as says: "The U.S. Government has shut down."
— Pete Sinclair (@pete_sinclair) October 1, 2013
You know when America tries to bring stability and order to another country's government? Well, that's awkward.
— Aaron Levie (@levie) October 1, 2013
What have been your favorite posts about the government shutdown? Share them in the comments below.
Image: Mark Wilson/Getty Images