The Nov. 9 op-ed (“For Democrats, it’s political posturing at any price“) gave us all a chuckle.

The author surveyed the current political climate and attributed all blame to the Democrats: “the left has turned compromise into a dirty word,” “a paralysis that holds the entire nation hostage” and “the party has become disconnected from the practical concerns of ordinary people.”

One wonders what practical concerns of ordinary people might be more pressing than being able to feed themselves and their families, or being able to afford health care when sick or injured.

Meanwhile, the Republican heads of both the Senate  and House of Representatives — who are responsible for passing the budget, including compromising and negotiating if that is required to get the requisite number of votes — refused to do so.

Leader Thune said, “There is nothing to negotiate” and when offered a negotiation of a one-year passage of the ACA supplements in return for opening the government, declared it a “non-starter.” Speaker Johnson wrote off passing a budget, instead obtaining a vote for a continuing resolution, then effectively shut down the people’s house for any business, sending our representatives home for a nearly two-month vacation in which no business was done.

Ann Morrill
South Portland