Letters to the editor
As Congress approaches its critical deadline to finalize the FY2026 budget by the end of January, the importance of upholding constitutional integrity in budgetary matters has never been more pressing. Recent history has shown the repercussions of neglecting this duty, particularly the illegal impoundments and partisan rescissions executed by the Trump Administration in 2025. These actions were not mere technicalities; they represented a significant breach of Congress’s constitutional authority over fiscal decisions, undermining the very foundation of the Republic. Such violations of the law not only diminish the separation of powers but also erode public trust, leading to confusion and instability within the government. As lawmakers deliberate on the upcoming budget, it is crucial that they implement robust safeguards to ensure that future administrations respect the legislative intent behind appropriations. The goal is clear: the budget must not only be passed but also be enforceable, guaranteeing that the executive branch adheres to the law as intended by Congress.
In a related discourse, the topic of reparations has sparked considerable debate, with individuals questioning the fairness of such measures. One poignant perspective comes from Jeffrey Padell of East Walpole, who raises a critical point: why should individuals today be held accountable for historical injustices they did not perpetrate? Padell emphasizes that his ancestor fought and died in the Civil War to end slavery, suggesting that if reparations are to be considered, there should also be recognition and reparations for the sacrifices made by Union soldiers. This argument highlights the complexity of reparations, challenging the notion that compensation should be directed solely toward descendants of enslaved individuals without acknowledging the broader historical context. Such discussions reflect the ongoing struggle to reconcile America’s past with its present, raising essential questions about justice, responsibility, and the pathways toward healing societal wounds.
Meanwhile, the international landscape is also fraught with tension, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Concerns have been raised about proposed peace plans that some view as capitulation to Russian aggression. Critics argue that any agreement allowing Russia to retain territory seized during its invasion would not only reward hostile actions but also embolden future aggression against Ukraine and potentially other European nations. The proposed plan, which includes stipulations for Ukraine to limit its military capabilities and refrain from joining NATO, echoes historical precedents, such as the infamous Munich Agreement of 1938. This agreement, which allowed Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia in exchange for promises of peace, ultimately failed to prevent further conflict. The parallels drawn by commentators like Donald Moskowitz of Londonderry, NH, serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of appeasing aggressors and the long-term implications for global stability. As discussions continue around these pressing issues, it is clear that the decisions made today will have lasting repercussions for both domestic and international governance.
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
