Author: betsy.crouch

LPW member Helene Rabinowitz sent the message in the attachment below about her participation in an effort to bring food and other  supplies to government workers  gathered in a parking lot in Palm Beach County, Florida. Helene reported how grateful these workers  were for the support. She urged us all to keep the pressure on McConnell  today as the Senate actually takes a vote on two separate bills which, if passed, would reopen the government..
The media is reporting that negotiations are going on behind the scenes and even if the bills go down to defeat vote (as they reportedly will)  a breakthrough deal may be reached.  The Dems realize despite the fact that Trump’s polling numbers keep slipping with this shutdown, a settlement which reopens the government has to be nailed down if possible TODAY.  It would be OK with me if the Dems throw  an item or two which allows Trump to save face as long as he doesn’t get the his wall..Thr priority has to be to reopen the government.
Yesterday, the national flight attendant’s union announced it was considering a strike due to the fact flight safety had become more precarious.And the pressure with the shutdown keeps building with more grave risks to the nation. 
What an irony. Trump’s tantrum and obstinacy re his demand for a wall to increase national security has put the nation in a bona fide national security meltdown. Security at our borders has become more shaky, airport screening comprimosed, as has actual flight and food safety. The normal work of the FBI has been hamstrung, as has the ability of the Coast Guard to do its job.The Internal Revenue now predicts that tax returns will be delayed and the economy is beginning to show the effects. And of course the obvious victims, government workers contractors, Native American tribes report that people are reeling at their loss of incomes, food distribution networks for the tribes. They are beginning to show up at homeless shelters for food. They are desperate. 
Who would have thought after the Trump win in November, 2016 that the hate mongers on conservative talk radio would hold such sway over him?. Who would have believed at the time that at their urging, Trump would bring our nation to its knees over his impetuous promise to build a wall on our border? Well, it happened. And we have a job to do. Here is McConnell’s contact info. Try calling one of his satellite offices in Kentucky to talk to a real person.