Government Shutdown analogy

By 8 january, we had heard many things about the wall, fence, barrier, or whatever you wish to call it.
Then we began to hear about those who will be harmed or have their lives disrupted.
The blame game kicked in with polls and Dump Trump commentators having fun.
But consider this analogy:

The owner of a rowboat assures a swimmer he'll make it to the other side of the lake. 
The swimmer swims, and others swim too. 
On the far shore there is The Official Lifeguard (legislators who must pass legislation) who seem to have trouble doing their job, and a new batch has just showed up...they hold in their hands a life preserver with a rope -- they can toss it so far.
The swimmer swims, and, as he comes within the distance of the door, he gets into trouble.  But the guy in the boat needs a oar in order to save The Swimmer.
The lifeguard yells about how stupid they were to attempt the swim and the guy in the boat yells "toss the life preserver or toss me an oar" - - The life guards yell back, "YOU PROMISED  them he'd make it, pull him into your boat"
 "But he's within reach of you, toss the life preserver and pull him ashore...or toss me an air I can use"
 "We do that, he'll made it, and you'll boast you kept your promise"

Now, if the swimmer drowns, which will happen if neither does anything, who will the family blame?  The guy in the boat who was there before the swimmer was in reach of the shore, but lacks an oar that will let him save the swimmer, or the guy in the shore who refused to toss the life preserver or  an oar?

The swimmer's dad has a single shot rifle, is an excellent marksman, and will kill the one he blames for his kids death.  Which will be kill? 
The guy in the boat -- who also needs the rope or an oar tossed in order to rescue the swimmer, or the guy on shore who refused to toss either the oar or life preserver?

The spectators say the guy in the boat, who made the promise, will get the bullet.  But, so long as someone dies, they make money.