Originally written 18Oct25; updated 30Oct25.
I have documentation of being a “never Trumper” since at least 1988, but I blame Democrats for the government shutdown.
Democrats could have refused to fund the government because the Trump administration is acting unconstitutionally, undermining separation of powers. Democrats could have demanded that Adelita Grijalva be seated in the House (which Republicans are blocking to avoid release of the Epstein files), that President Trump get Congressional approval for military action in the Caribbean, etc.
Instead, Democrats shut down the government because they don’t like a law that was legally passed. That’s a terrible reason to shut down the government. If you disagree about a law that passed, you close the government??? Consider the national and international ramifications. If it is appropriate to shut down the government because you don't like a law that passed, our government could be shut down permanently.
Amazingly, Democrats aren't objecting to something the Republicans did. They are objecting to the APRA of 2021 which is a law drafted, promoted and passed by Democrats in the Biden administration! Democrats don’t like that they said increased subsidies were temporarily necessary and could expire at the end of 2025. Because they don't like what they did, they shut down the government.
Democrats insult the public’s intelligence by saying “Republicans control the government, so the shutdown is their fault”. Obviously, if the Republicans had complete control, the government would not have been shut down. The Democrats have rejected at least 13 clean continuing resolutions.
Democrats say the Republicans should compromise with them. I agree in compromise in most cases, but I don't think the Republicans should accommodate the Democrats because it would encourage both parties to engage in more government-closing shenanigans. (Furthermore, what compromise offer have you heard from the Democrats? They insist that they get what they want or they'll keep the government shut down.)
Some Democrats say this issue is worth shutting down the government because higher health care costs will cause people to die. What about the people who can afford higher prices? Maybe Democrats could actually offer a compromise instead of stonewalling.
Of course, if the possibility that "someone could die" is your criterion, will Democrats refuse to open the government until there is universal health care? Is gun control also necessary? Should Republicans close down the government because our military lack of preparation will cause people to die? You can argue that "people will die" because of a whole lot of disagreements.
The shutdown is not only wrong, it is stupid because it gives the administration opportunities to shut down projects most precious to Democrats. It would be terrible if the Republicans end the filibuster because of the Democratic shutdown of government.
Chuck Schumer consistently strongly criticized such government shutdowns until the leftist support for Mamdani in NYC increased his fear of losing the Democratic nomination for his seat to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, prioritizing personal ambition over the good for the country.
