Letter to the Editor – The Denver Post
October 8, 2025
Shutdowns demonstrate wrong priorities
The political shutdown of the federal government is nothing new, but no less of a disgrace. It goes beyond just hurting the economy. Shutting down the government should be illegal. The first expenses cut should be with Congress, the president, and high-level political appointees. They are probably not concerned about mortgage payments or health insurance.
Using government as a political whipping post is a libertarian ideal for some, but to disregard the impact on people’s lives is unconscionable. Republicans can stop pretending to be standing up for the interests of common people. They are doing what they do best, and that is advocating for trickle-down economics under a false flag of patriotism.
The reasoning that “waste, fraud and abuse” only occurs in government is not factual, patriotic or justified. There is no excuse to subordinate public safety and the general welfare to a political ideology. The American standard of living for the middle class defines us, but the wealth gap between the rich and poor could destroy us, and democracy is at the crossroads.
I certainly understand why most Democrats opposed the budget, but too many of them, past and present, also supported Taft-Hartley laws to appease private enterprise with legislation like the Railway Labor Act and right-to-work laws. They broke rank to protect power and profit. They have us fighting a culture war to stop us from fighting a class war. Let’s hope the next president signs legislation to outlaw government shutdowns and pass the pro-act.