End Shutdown

Letter to the Editor: The Virginian-Pilot & Daily Press

Re “Go nuclear” (Your Views, Nov. 1): The letter writer praises Senate Democrats for “scramming the reactor,” but I see things differently. Using a government shutdown as a political weapon, by either party, doesn’t protect democracy or help Americans. It hurts them.

Shutdowns stall paychecks, delay critical services, and create instability that directly impacts those who serve our nation, from active-duty service members to veterans and military families. When pay for our troops and the equipment they need is in limbo, we weaken our military readiness and morale. The burden doesn’t fall on those in power ― it falls on the men and women who defend this country and the families who support them.

Democrats claim they’re taking a stand for democracy, but in reality, they’re using hardworking Americans, including our military, as pawns in a political chess game. The constant finger-pointing and posturing have real-world consequences that ripple far beyond Washington.

This shouldn’t be about which party wins the messaging war. It should be about doing what’s right for America: keeping our government functioning, paying our troops, supporting our citizens and finding real solutions through cooperation.

Our leaders owe us better. America deserves better. Democrats can end this shutdown at any moment, and I hope they do the right thing, right now.

Sarah S. Smothers, Williamsburg

Originally published on November 5, 2025 in the Virginian-Pilot & Daily Press