Copyright The Philadelphia Inquirer
Betrayal Every Democratic and independent U.S. senator who voted to end the government shutdown should resign immediately for dereliction of duty. If they can’t convince the public that Republicans who control the White House and both chambers of Congress are responsible for the failure to provide government services, they have no business being in positions of authority. The senators folded despite getting no concession on Affordable Care Act subsidies, and despite the recent election results showing widespread dissatisfaction with Republicans, which should have strengthened the hand of the Democrats. It defies belief that these senators think this abject capitulation will benefit the American people in any way. Bob Leipold,West Chester, rjleipold@verizon.net . . . John Fetterman, nominally a Democratic senator, again sided with Republicans on a critical vote that deprived Democrats of the leverage they needed — and were using — to get Republicans to reverse catastrophic increases in health insurance premiums happening now. What he got in return was restoration of SNAP benefits, which was likely to happen anyway this week through court rulings that the administration’s not releasing the contingency fund money for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is illegal. Ending the shutdown also means federal employees will be paid, but they’re required by law to get back pay once the furlough is over. Oh, and Democrats will get to vote on restoring Affordable Care Act subsidies in December. Spoiler alert: If Republicans vote consistently with how they voted in the past, that effort will fail. So when you pay your newly doubled or tripled health insurance premium this month — and all the months after — you know who to thank. Linda Falcao, Baltimore . . . The basis for which the government is appealing the full payment of SNAP benefits from contingency funds, as opposed to dedicated Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, is manifold. Arguments presented to the U.S. Supreme Court range among statutory, constitutional, and the three branches of government, everything and everywhere all at once. SNAP statutes regulate the disbursement of funds from dedicated funding, not “raiding” funds for SNAP. The government, lawyers argued, could not guarantee replacement funds. In addition to statutory authority, legislative authority requires Congress to appropriate SNAP benefits, omitting the administration. Because of a government shutdown, no SNAP funds could be disbursed, since there is no working Congress to vote on the benefits. Denying benefits was judicially overruled, and $5 billion was ordered to be disbursed from a contingency fund, which the administration appealed. Extra constitutionality is the cornerstone of this administration since it has imposed tariffs (a congressional power), attempted the denial of birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, and defied court orders by delaying implementation of them. The list goes on. Suddenly, and without ample notification to beneficiaries of SNAP, the administration wants to follow the Constitution and the precept of separation of powers. The arguments were “fast and furious,” dizzying even, and without direction. It’s like the game Whac-A-Mole, of offering several positions and seeing which one sticks. Meanwhile, those who receive SNAP benefits are at the mercy of a directionless government that would deign to deny sustenance using a myriad of arguments, rather than lose. Surely, obtaining money from elsewhere so that people can eat could be pursued. Estelle Samberg,Warminster Pass the Pa. budget As a neighbor to the Morrisville School District, I am deeply alarmed that the district may only be able to fund its schools through January. The combination of Pennsylvania’s unfinished state budget and the ongoing federal government shutdown has left Morrisville — and its students — in crisis. This is not a local failure; it’s a statewide one. Pennsylvania’s constitution requires the commonwealth to provide a “thorough and efficient system of public education.” Yet, the courts have already ruled our current funding system unconstitutional — too unequal, too dependent on local wealth. Still, our children wait while politics stalls. If a school district has to consider closing midyear, we have lost sight of our priorities. Education is not a bargaining chip; it is a constitutional and moral obligation. Our state and federal leaders must act now to pass a fair budget and protect our schools from financial collapse. The students of Morrisville — and all of Pennsylvania — deserve stability, fairness, and the chance to learn without fear that their classrooms will close. If we allow Morrisville’s schools to fail, we are saying that some children’s education matters less than others. That is not who we are, and it cannot be what Pennsylvania stands for. All representatives, at both the state and federal levels, need to stop playing politics with our lives, do their jobs, and pass the budget. Mara Reynolds,Yardley The new divide For many years, American politics has operated within the framework of two dominant parties: Republican and Democratic. Their organizations persist, and their positions in the legislative aisle remain recognizable. However, these labels have become increasingly misleading for the public. Today, neither party offers a clear, coherent platform. Both are grappling with internal divisions, yet their supporters continue to hold onto historical perceptions of what these party identities once represented. The real division in our current political landscape appears to be split between those who favor authoritarian approaches and those who advocate for democracy. While America has long taken pride in its commitment to democratic principles, authoritarianism has emerged as a legitimate alternative for some. This choice is valid, but it must be made with full awareness and understanding. Unfortunately, reliance on outdated party labels prevents voters from making informed decisions. Social media has played a significant role in amplifying falsehoods and conspiracy theories, while corporate media often fails to address them. The result is widespread confusion and fragmentation, which makes it difficult for people to discern the true nature of their political choices. Given these challenges, it is more important than ever to rally around the principles of democracy to provide clarity and direction. Choosing authoritarianism is a decision that, once made, may be extremely difficult to reverse — particularly if those who make it do so under confusion or misapprehension. For the sake of our nation’s future, it is vital to make this choice with full awareness and a clear understanding of its implications. If we choose democracy, then we can argue and vote on the other issues. Mary Ann Brookes, Medford Effective action The country is in trouble. Can’t take to the streets? Then do this: Call your members of Congress every single day. Are you furious about the cost of healthcare? Call them. Are you mad about food prices? Are you mad about the Epstein files? Call them and tell them. Each call you make has to be recorded, and the legislator has to be informed of your thoughts. Be polite, don’t curse, and give your name and hometown. Short, personal stories are quite effective. Or send a postcard with a brief message, which also has to be recorded in the legislator’s office (you don’t need your return address, just your zip code). In Pennsylvania, call or write Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick. To find their phone numbers and office addresses, and other members of Congress, go to www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member. Locally in Pennsylvania, go to www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator. If you’re rich and don’t want to call or write, send a check to financially help groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, Leaders We Deserve, Indivisible, and others who are willing to put their lives on the line for you. We all have to do something. Claire Gawinowicz,Oreland
