Letters: The Politics Behind the Government Shutdown

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Re "President Tells Republicans to 'Reopen the Government' " (front page, Oct. 2):

Republicans have the right to advocate changes in existing law, but their current actions amount to a direct attack on the fundamental processes of democracy. In our democracy, laws are created by Congress. Republicans are attempting to bypass that procedure and create law by disrupting the government.

Democracy requires a consensus between the competing parties such that the party that loses an election will accept the results and "wait until next year." It appears that we have lost that consensus.

MORRIS JOHNSON
Altamonte Springs, Fla., Oct. 2, 2013

To the Editor:

Since the Republicans have added a wish list of demands to budget legislation (defunding or delay of the Affordable Care Act, approval of the Keystone pipeline, contraception exclusions), why don't the Democrats do the same? They could demand gun background checks, immigration reform, a national infrastructure rebuilding program and a few other things. Then the two sides can meet and horse trade, haggle, give and take, compromise.

Wait a minute, that sounds like how our government is supposed to operate.

BILL SCHWARTZ
San Francisco, Oct. 2, 2013

To the Editor:

The shutdown of the government presents an odd problem for the news media. Usually, when a problem occurs in Washington, to be balanced, they say both Republicans and Democrats are at fault. What happens when the blame is asymmetrical?

Many are saying both sides are guilty. Nothing could be further from the truth.

House Republicans knew that repealing or delaying the Affordable Care Act would never pass. They sent budget bills to the Senate that faced certain rejection. Since the Republicans instigated the shutdown, they should bear the blame for it.

ALLAN BIENIEK
Southgate, Mich., Oct. 2, 2013

To the Editor:

Who caused the government to shut down? You and I did by electing the wrong people to represent our interests in Washington. We made the mistake of believing the promises of professional politicians, both Democrats and Republicans.

What can we do to rectify our mistakes? Make better decisions about whom we elect to represent us in the future. Actions (of politicians) speak louder than (their) words.

DANIEL ROBINOWITZ
Dallas, Oct. 2, 2013

To the Editor:

As expensive, time-consuming, emotionally draining and senseless as the Congressional budget battle may seem, I am grateful to live in a country where a minority group with such strongly held opinions can act on its beliefs, exercising its rights in a peaceful way, within a democratic process, without fear of harm or retribution.

WILLIAM COOPER
Edina, Minn., Oct. 2, 2013

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