Editorial: Political turkeys in DC don’t deserve to be pardoned
In a continuation of a lighthearted Thanksgiving tradition, President Donald Trump pardoned two turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, sparing them from the dinner table. However, this festive gesture starkly contrasts the serious issues plaguing Capitol Hill, where lawmakers grappled with a recent government shutdown that jeopardized food benefits for millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. As families faced the looming threat of delayed or cut-off food assistance, Democratic Congresswoman Katherine Clark openly acknowledged the political strategy at play, stating, “of course there will be families that are going to suffer, but it is one of the few leverage times we have.” This sentiment highlights a troubling reality: while some lawmakers appeared willing to use constituents’ hunger as a bargaining chip, many families were left in distress, unsure of their next meal.
The government shutdown not only exposed the dysfunction within Washington but also revealed a concerning disconnect between lawmakers and the American public they serve. Both Democrats and Republicans failed to prioritize the needs of their constituents, allowing political posturing to overshadow their responsibility to keep the government running smoothly. The historical context of government shutdowns should have prompted a more proactive approach, yet the standoff over spending bills devolved into partisan bickering. As the shutdown dragged on, speculation arose that it could extend past Thanksgiving, leaving families in dire straits while politicians remained insulated from the consequences of their actions. Notably, some lawmakers, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune, recognized the urgency of the situation and pushed for measures to protect military service members during the crisis, but their voices were overshadowed by the dominant narrative of political infighting.
As Congress pivots to address other pressing issues, such as the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, the specter of the recent shutdown looms large. The inability of lawmakers to navigate the shutdown effectively raises concerns about their capacity to tackle the next significant challenge: the skyrocketing costs of healthcare. The government’s poor handling of negotiations during the shutdown serves as a cautionary tale for both politicians and voters alike. It underscores the necessity for accountability and reform within the political system, urging citizens to reflect on the importance of electing representatives who prioritize the welfare of the people over partisan agendas. As Thanksgiving approaches, the call for change resonates louder than ever, reminding us that it is time to vote out the “turkeys” of politics who fail to act in the best interests of their constituents.
President Donald Trump continued a Thanksgiving tradition Tuesday, pardoning North Carolina turkeys Gobble and Waddle from a roasted fate.
But there are other turkeys on Capitol Hill who do not deserve to be let off the hook, not by the president, and not by taxpayers.
Chief among them are the Democratic lawmakers who dragged their heels on ending the recent government shutdown as food benefits for millions of SNAP recipients hung in the balance.
As families in need panicked ahead of a food assistance delay or cutoff, Mass. Congresswoman Katherine Clark said “of course there will be families that are going to suffer, but it is one of the few leverage times we have.”
Clark may have said it, but she wasn’t the only DC lawmaker in line with that way of thinking.
Some in Washington even speculated that the shutdown would extend past Thanksgiving, which is something to keep in mind as you slice into that turkey tomorrow. If those lawmakers had been right, those keen to use looming hunger as “leverage” would be tucking into a feast as constituents went hungry.
But the Democrats are far from alone in turkey-town. Both sides of the aisle failed in their sworn duty to keep the country running and the government functioning. Our history of shutdowns and their impact should have informed our representatives of what the worst-case scenario looked like, yet they let a spending bill showdown turn into another nightmare.
The Beltway is our nation’s turkey pen, and the leaders who work and reside within are far too removed from the lives of their constituents. They return to their home districts and states during campaign season, certainly, but life inside the bubble is the comfort zone of choice.
They are insulated from struggle, and the government shutdown which sent families reeling from missed paychecks and lack of benefits didn’t affect them the same way, if all all. It was partisan politics, bickering and finger-pointing as usual.
There are some exceptions, those who called out the looming SNAP disaster, missed paychecks and shuttered services as the fiascos they were.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, for example, proffered legislation to pay more than 1 million military service members during the government shutdown.
But the turkeys of partisan party politics had the main character energy.
The focus is now on the extension of ACA tax credits, the point of contention between Democrats and Republicans who fought over kicking the can down the road as the program is set to expire next month. Trump has talked of a plan to address health care costs, which are astronomical even for those with insurance through their employers.
The cost of health care is likely Washington’s next big fight, and the way Congress acquitted itself so poorly during the shutdown does not bode well for Americans looking for real relief.
DC pols should use the shutdown as a teachable moment in how not to handle negotiations. Voters should use the shutdown as a teachable moment in which turkeys need to be voted out.
Editorial cartoon by Chip Bok (Creators Syndicate)
