SHUTDOWN: Compromise, or extortion?

How did we get to the shutdown and what compromises do the parties want? Before Christmas, the Republican Senate passed a bill to keep government open until February so immigration issues could be worked out (again/still). But the House Republicans added “Trump’s wall” at his request and sent it back. The Senate would not allow any vote on the added wall, so the Trump/Republican shutdown started. Trump was proud to do so.

For two years, the Republican-controlled Congress and White House did not approve his wall. Now the Republicans want the Democrats to “compromise” and give Trump what they would not. This shutdown punishes innocent American workers and families without cause or necessity. Government was supposed to be open while negations took place.

Everyone demands compromise, but on what? Republicans want the compromise to be a multi-billion dollar (not peso) partial-payment for Trump’s version of the wall. After that, government can open. These tactics must not be called compromise, but extortion. Republicans want submission and concession, not negotiation and compromise. They inflict pain trying to force capitulation.

The Democrats want government open while compromising on how to best achieve border security, including new walls where appropriate. The compromise occurs during immigration reform, not to stop the shutdown.

Republicans should open up the government, compromise on immigration reform and continue with other bipartisan projects.

DENNIS REUTER

Coeur d’Alene