@RushGirl That seems like a pretty poor analogy... Two sides both disagreeing on a bill or law, and thus holding up the government, is not the same as some random people blocking traffic.
Not saying the republicans are innocent, but to think the democrats are sooo willing to compromise and make bipartisan efforts and its the republicans who are to blame is just not the truth.. both sides are polarized, neither side compromises anymore.
Then make the argument "The motivation of these 5 people was shit"... and I would whole heartidly agree with you. You would be fine to argue that their motivations are worthy of contempt for those 5 people.
To blame them for the shutdown, however, is a poor argument, and a different one than the one your making now.