Letters to the editor
As Congress approaches the critical end-of-January deadline for passing the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the urgency for a stable and enforceable budget process has never been clearer. The recent history of budgetary chaos, particularly the illegal impoundments and partisan rescissions orchestrated by the Trump Administration in 2025, serves as a stark reminder of the constitutional responsibilities that govern the relationship between Congress and the executive branch. These actions were not just technical oversights; they represented a significant threat to the constitutional power of the purse that Congress holds. When an administration decides to withhold funds that have been duly appropriated by Congress, it undermines the foundational principles of democracy and erodes public trust. As William Deignan from Medford emphasizes, it is imperative that lawmakers implement robust safeguards to ensure that future administrations cannot sidestep the will of Congress, thereby reinforcing the structure of governance that supports a functioning Republic.
In light of this, lawmakers are urged to craft a budget that not only passes but is also enforceable, ensuring that the executive branch carries out the provisions as intended by Congress. The call to action is clear: our democracy hinges on the respect for constitutional roles across branches of government. As Deignan notes, the integrity of our democratic system relies on maintaining this balance, and any deviation can lead to confusion and a weakening of governmental foundations. The message is one of accountability and respect for the law, urging elected officials to prioritize the Constitution as they navigate the complexities of budget negotiations.
In a separate discourse, the topic of reparations has sparked significant debate, with individuals like Jeffrey Padell from East Walpole questioning the rationale behind compensating descendants of enslaved individuals. Padell argues that since his ancestor fought and died in the Civil War to abolish slavery, it seems unjust for him to bear the financial burden of reparations. He posits that if reparations are to be considered, then it would only be fair to also provide reparations to the families of Union soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the cause. This perspective highlights the complexities and historical grievances surrounding the reparations debate, raising questions about accountability and the implications of compensating individuals who were never enslaved by those who never owned slaves.
Furthermore, Donald Moskowitz from Londonderry, NH, critiques a proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, characterizing it as a capitulation to Russian aggression. He warns that the plan, which would allow Russia to retain occupied territories while demanding military reductions from Ukraine, essentially rewards an invading nation and sets a dangerous precedent for future conflicts in Europe. Moskowitz draws parallels to the infamous Munich Agreement of 1938, suggesting that appeasement only emboldens aggressors. His concerns reflect a broader anxiety about the implications of negotiating with hostile powers and the potential long-term consequences for global stability. Together, these discussions underscore the importance of accountability, historical context, and the need for a principled approach to governance and international relations as we navigate these complex issues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KahPH6oc12I
Passing budget
As Congress races toward its end-of-January deadline to pass the FY2026 budget, one truth must be front and center: we cannot afford a repeat of last year’s chaos.
The illegal impoundments and partisan rescissions by the Trump Administration in 2025 were not mere technical disputes; they were an assault on Congress’s constitutional power of the purse. When any administration ignores the law and withholds funds Congress has already directed, it undermines the very structure that keeps our Republic standing.
Our democracy survives only when each branch respects its constitutional role. When that balance is violated, public trust crumbles, confusion reigns, and the foundations of our government weaken.
As lawmakers shape the next budget, they must build in firm safeguards that prevent future administrations from defying the will of Congress. The budget must not only pass; it must be enforceable.
I urge our elected officials to protect the Constitution by passing a budget that ensures the Administration carries out the law as Congress intended. Our democracy depends on it.
William Deignan
Medford
Reparations
I keep hearing about reparations.  My biggest question is why should I have to pay reparations since one of my ancestors died in Andersonville Prison while fighting to free the slaves. I think that if reparations are approved then we need reparations for every one of the Union dead, people who gave their lives to free the slaves.  And finally why should people who were never slaves get money from people who never owned slaves?
Jeffrey Padell
East Walpole
Russia
The proposed peace plan to end Russia’s devastating war in Ukraine is a capitulation to Russia, and it rewards an invading hostile country. Furthermore, the resultant plan gives Russia impetus to conduct future warfare to expand further west in Europe.
The plan calls for Russia to stop the war, but it would retain the land it occupied during the invasion, which is one fifth of Ukraine. Ukraine would have to reduce the size of its military. It would have to agree not to join NATO and not allow NATO troops on its territory.
Ukraine would receive a guarantee from the U.S. for security protection, but the U.S. guaranteed protecting Ukraine in 1994 if Ukraine agreed to disarm its nuclear weapons and send them to Russia. Ukraine complied with the agreement, and Russia then proceeded to invade Ukraine in 2014 and 2022.
The peace plan includes lifting the sanctions on Russia thereby allowing Russia to resume world trade.
This peace plan reminds me of the Munich Agreement signed by Neville Chamberlain of Great Britain and Adolph Hitler of Nazi Germany on Sept. 30, 1938, which included ceding part of Czechoslovakia to Hitler for his promise not to further expand in Europe. Subsequently from 1939 to 1944 Hitler invaded and occupied a large part of Europe.
Donald Moskowitz
Londonderry, NH
