Let's get back to work

So the government shutdown is here. Let's hope it ends soon.

Whose fault is it? The Democrats say, we just want to pass a budget (or continuing resolution, in this case). Get that done and then let's get back to work as legislators. The debate on big issues requires, and deserves, our careful attention, and resolving such issues takes time. Obamacare is a huge issue. It's also a law that the Supreme Court found constitutional and which was ratified in the 2012 presidential election (because the winning candidate was for it, his opponent against, and all would agree that the Republicans, at least, made it the No. 1 issue).

So then, say Democrats, why is the question of Obamacare attached to this routine bill which authorizes federal funding, at the same level, for the next few months?

Republicans say Obamacare is the worst law ever perpetuated in our country, maybe the worst in history. It must be destroyed. We will force the president to accept our terms to defund, or at least delay, Obamacare by tying it to the continuing resolution. Obama must capitulate. If he does not agree to our terms, the government will be shut down and we can say it's his fault.

All I can say is that these guys live in separate universes.

Hal Dendurent

Mount Vernon