Originally published by The New York Times
To the Editor:
David Leonhardt says it was best for Democrats to fold and end the shutdown (“Deep Breath: The Democrats Did Just Fine,” column, nytimes.com, Jan. 23). He cites the fact that they “won a six-year extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program as part of the deal, which is no small feat.” It’s a disgrace that this was on the table at all. I’m sure Republicans are snickering at the very idea that it was considered a win.
To believe that Mitch McConnell has any intention of helping the Dreamers is beyond naïve. Republicans are ruthless, and they are proving it every day.
TERRY SHAMES, BERKELEY, CALIF.
To the Editor:
“Schumer Sells Out the Resistance,” by Michelle Goldberg (column, Jan. 23), is wrongheaded. Senator Chuck Schumer took a very brave leadership stance in urging his colleagues to vote “no” on Friday, causing the shutdown. He seems to have gotten what he wanted, a somewhat solid commitment from Senator Mitch McConnell to consider immigration legislation.
What is most critical at this point is that Democrats take control of the House and the Senate in 2018. They can’t do that if all Mr. Schumer does is the bidding of the Resistance, because to its members compromise is treason. Democrats must show the ability to lead, have moral authority and bring people together.
RONALD HIRSCH
KENNEBUNKPORT, ME.
To the Editor:
Re “Shutdown Ends, Setting Up Clash Over ‘Dreamers’ ” (front page, Jan. 23):
The debate over the government shutdown revolved around the question of which party would sustain the most political damage, and no one doubted that there would be plenty to share. In that political calculus the players who were not represented at that table were the people who elected these politicians to be their voices in government.
Does anyone really believe that a shutdown is an acceptable way to handle disagreements? The mud did fly, and, as always, it landed on all of us.
ASHLEY HOLLISTER, HARTFORD, N.Y.
To the Editor:
The liberal media characterizes President Trump as bumbling and incompetent. On the contrary, I believe he knows exactly what he is doing. He is a con artist, an extraordinarily talented one. His latest victim is Chuck Schumer. Based on Mr. Trump’s proclaimed sympathy for the Dreamers, and several meetings with the president, Mr. Schumer set up a confrontation with Congress, believing he had Mr. Trump covering his back. He set up expectations among liberals that he would do whatever is necessary to secure a deal for the Dreamers.
Then, when there was no graceful way out for Mr. Schumer, Mr. Trump snatched the football away. Gotcha! Humiliated, Mr. Schumer had little choice but to tuck his tail between his legs and back down, using a meaningless promise from Mitch McConnell, another con artist, for cover that is as transparent as plastic wrap.
ROBERT MADDEN, TARRYTOWN, N.Y.
To the Editor:
Lots of talk from folks on both the left and right that Chuck Schumer “blinked” in the showdown. I look at it differently. Senate Democrats dug themselves into a hole by opting on Friday to vote against a continuing resolution to keep the government operating. I like to think that the Senate Democrats who voted to reopen the government chose to stop digging.
IRVIN DAWID, BURLINGAME, CALIF.
To the Editor:
As a lifetime Democrat, I’m enraged that Senator Chuck Schumer reportedly discussed giving President Trump his outrageous border wall in exchange for protections for Dreamers, which Mr. Trump has already said he wants himself! The only sensible way forward now is for Mr. Schumer and his Democratic colleagues in the Senate to withdraw the offer of support for the border wall, and pledge to shut down the government after the current temporary spending bill expires, until Dreamers are protected.
If Democrats cannot stick to their avowed principles, it’s time for a third party and perhaps a fourth party to come forward and begin replacing the two dysfunctional parties that we now have.
EARL B. RUSSELL
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.
To the Editor:
The comedian Bill Maher said it best last year. When disappointed progressives complained that Democrats bring a knife to a gunfight, he retorted: “It is one thing to bring a knife to a gunfight. The Democrats are bringing a covered dish.”
JOHN E. STAFFORD, RYE, N.Y.
Read more:https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/23/opinion/shutdown.html?mtrref=query.nytimes.com&assetType=opinion
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