Letters to the editor
As Congress approaches its critical end-of-January deadline for passing the FY2026 budget, the urgency to avoid the turmoil experienced in the previous fiscal year is palpable. The chaos stemming from illegal impoundments and partisan rescissions enacted by the Trump Administration in 2025 highlighted a significant breach of Congress’s constitutional authority over federal funding. This infringement on the legislative branch’s power is not merely a procedural hiccup; it poses a serious threat to the foundational principles of American democracy. When an administration disregards the law and withholds funds that Congress has allocated, it undermines the very framework that maintains the Republic’s stability. The call for a budget that is not only passed but also enforceable is paramount, as it ensures that future administrations respect the legislative intent behind appropriations.
William Deignan of Medford emphasizes the necessity for lawmakers to embed robust safeguards in the upcoming budget to prevent any potential defiance of Congressional directives. The respect for constitutional roles among the branches of government is crucial for sustaining public trust and preventing confusion within the political landscape. As Deignan puts it, “Our democracy survives only when each branch respects its constitutional role.” This sentiment underscores the importance of accountability and adherence to the rule of law, which are vital for the government’s integrity and efficacy. The urgency for a budget that protects the Constitution and reinforces the administration’s obligation to execute the law as intended by Congress cannot be overstated; it is a matter of preserving the democratic ideals upon which the nation was founded.
In a different vein, discussions around reparations have sparked diverse opinions, particularly regarding the moral implications of compensating descendants of enslaved individuals. Jeffrey Padell from East Walpole raises a provocative question about the fairness of reparations, arguing that individuals who have no direct connection to slavery should not be held accountable for the injustices of the past. He highlights his ancestor’s sacrifice during the Civil War, suggesting that if reparations are to be considered, there should also be recognition for the contributions of Union soldiers who fought to end slavery. This dialogue reflects a broader societal debate about historical accountability and the complexities of addressing systemic injustices. Padell’s perspective invites further examination of how societies reconcile with their histories and the implications of reparative justice in contemporary contexts.
Meanwhile, the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve as discussions around a proposed peace plan emerge. Critics, including Donald Moskowitz from Londonderry, NH, argue that the plan effectively capitulates to Russia by allowing it to retain control over occupied territories, which constitutes a significant portion of Ukraine. The proposed terms would require Ukraine to limit its military capabilities and forgo NATO membership, raising concerns about the long-term security of the region. Moskowitz draws parallels to the infamous Munich Agreement of 1938, suggesting that appeasing an aggressor may only embolden further territorial ambitions. This perspective underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the delicate balance between achieving peace and ensuring justice, particularly in the face of ongoing aggression. As these discussions unfold, the implications for Ukraine and global stability remain a pressing concern for policymakers and citizens alike.
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
