Why is it our elected officials feel it's ok to play with people's livelihood by a shutdown?

I think a large part of it is a political game of chicken, trying to make the other side acquiesce to your demands on the issue of the day. I think a small percentage of them do it because they truly believe they are right, but I think by and large it is all about power, either getting it or keeping it.

I think the whole pack of them need to be fired and just start over.

When the American populace get's really tired of this BS, there will be change, and a LOT of former legislators. We just haven't gotten tired yet.

Because their showboating and chest puffing/pounding is more important than the people they "serve."

We are tools of the politicians. Always have and always will be. We are expendable tools that are to be used, abused, and discarded when no longer useful. This sounds harsh but that is the reality of government service.