Letters to the editor
As Congress approaches the critical deadline for passing the FY2026 budget, the urgency for a smooth and orderly process is palpable. The chaos that surrounded last year’s budget negotiations, marked by illegal impoundments and partisan rescissions from the Trump Administration, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding Congress’s constitutional authority over fiscal matters. These actions were not merely technical disputes; they represented a significant challenge to the foundational principle of the separation of powers, wherein each branch of government must respect its designated role. When an administration disregards the law by withholding funds that Congress has allocated, it erodes public trust and destabilizes the very framework of democracy.
As lawmakers begin to craft the upcoming budget, it is imperative that they incorporate robust safeguards to prevent any future administration from undermining Congress’s intentions. The goal is not only to pass the budget but to ensure its enforceability, thereby reinforcing the rule of law. Elected officials are urged to prioritize the Constitution and to create a budget that mandates the administration to implement laws as Congress intended. The integrity of the democratic process hinges on this commitment, as a failure to do so could lead to further erosion of public confidence and governmental stability.
In addition to the budget discussions, the topic of reparations has ignited debate across the nation. One poignant perspective comes from Jeffrey Padell of East Walpole, who questions the rationale behind reparations for descendants of enslaved individuals, especially considering his own ancestor’s sacrifice during the Civil War. Padell argues that if reparations are to be considered, it raises the question of whether reparations should also be extended to the families of Union soldiers who fought to end slavery. This perspective highlights the complexities of historical accountability and the challenges of addressing past injustices in a contemporary context. While the conversation around reparations continues to evolve, it remains a contentious issue that requires careful consideration of historical context, moral responsibility, and the implications for society today.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has prompted discussions about a proposed peace plan that many view as a capitulation to Russian aggression. Critics argue that the plan, which would allow Russia to retain occupied territories and limit Ukraine’s military capabilities, effectively rewards the invading nation for its actions. This situation is reminiscent of historical appeasements, such as the Munich Agreement of 1938, which failed to prevent further aggression from Hitler. The proposed peace plan not only raises concerns about the future of Ukraine but also poses questions about global security and the precedent it sets for international relations. As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful, aware that the implications of these negotiations will resonate far beyond the borders of Ukraine.
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
