The looming government shutdown Tuesday is perhaps the most absurd political occurrence so far this decade. Because of the “macho man” image congressional leaders and President Clinton have decided to adopt, the U.S. government, the largest single entity in the world, may just pack up shop.

It is unnecessary. It is stupid. It doesn’t have to happen.

The shutdown, hanging over the heads of Americans primarily because House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole and Clinton can’t even agree on a temporary spending measure, will only hurt those who both Democrats and Republicans claim to represent.

If a spending measure is not agreed on by Tuesday, national parks, museums and zoos will close. No food stamps, including those issued to infants and children, will be available. Environmental regulation enforcement agencies will cease to operate. Farm programs will stop. Veterans will not be paid. And some 800,000 federal employees will be left with nothing to do.

The bulk of the blame lies with the Republican leadership, those who control Congress. Based on America’s elementary checks and balances system, Congress passes a bill and the president either signs it or vetos it.

Congressional leaders aren’t supposed to issue ultimatums like Dole’s remarks to Clinton last week. He said if the government shuts down it will be solely on the president’s shoulders. Not true. Congress is obligated to pass budget measures in a timely fashion, leaving room for possible disagreements with the president that can be worked out through compromise.

Congress failed to do that and in the process, failed the American people.

But blame aside, the good old boys in Washington need to set their pride aside and find a workable solution. If they can’t do that, its time to find a batch that can.