Editorial: Political turkeys in DC don’t deserve to be pardoned
In a festive nod to tradition, President Donald Trump pardoned two turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, this Thanksgiving, sparing them from becoming a holiday meal. However, the article draws a stark contrast between this lighthearted gesture and the serious consequences of political maneuvering in Washington, particularly the recent government shutdown that put millions of families at risk of losing vital food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As lawmakers bickered over budgetary issues, Congresswoman Katherine Clark of Massachusetts acknowledged the human cost of their inaction, 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 reflects a troubling trend where political strategy takes precedence over the immediate needs of constituents, leaving many families in a state of anxiety as they faced potential delays or cutoffs in food benefits just before the holiday.
The article critiques the failure of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to effectively manage the government shutdown, which not only disrupted services but also exacerbated the struggles of those reliant on government assistance. The author argues that the insulated environment of Capitol Hill has created a disconnect between lawmakers and the realities faced by everyday Americans. While some politicians, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune, sought to address the plight of military service members during the shutdown, the overall response from Congress was characterized by partisan posturing rather than constructive solutions. As the focus shifts to upcoming debates over healthcare costs and the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, the article warns that the same political dynamics that led to the shutdown could hinder meaningful progress for Americans seeking relief from high healthcare expenses.
Ultimately, the article calls for voters to recognize the failures of their elected representatives during the shutdown as a pivotal moment for accountability. It suggests that the political landscape in Washington, which often resembles a “turkey pen” of self-serving interests, needs a thorough reevaluation. As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, the author urges constituents to remember the impact of political decisions on their lives and to consider voting out those who prioritize partisan games over the welfare of the people they serve. This Thanksgiving, while Gobble and Waddle are safe, the real turkeys in Washington may not be so lucky if voters choose to hold them accountable for their actions.
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)
