As the government shutdown stretches into its 15th day, it seems some folks in Congress could use a good lesson in compromise. While Democrats are busy occupying Speaker Mike Johnson’s office, complete with some rather theatrical chanting and an odd incident involving a Capitol officer, one can’t help but wonder if they’re really trying to solve the issue or just putting on a sideshow. The blame game is in full swing, with Democrats pointing fingers at Republicans as if they were the sole reason behind every problem this nation faces.
This wouldn’t be the first time Democrats have supported extensions similar to the one proposed. But this time, there seems to be a reluctance to play ball. Maybe it’s more about theatre than practicality. President Trump, always one to cut through the noise, isn’t losing sleep over the matter. He’s already eyeing which programs could be axed, aiming to shrink the tangled bureaucracy that’s often more headache than help.
Joining the political fray is former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira. The slugger has traded his bat for a campaign trail, running for Congress in Texas. With a passion for public service, Teixeira embodies the spirit of someone who doesn’t need a political career but chooses it out of love for country. His viewpoint is clear: the country needs leaders who can counter the spiraling antics of the left, and it’s time Republicans show what strong leadership really looks like.
As Republicans push a clean continuing resolution with no frills or bizarre attachments, one must question why Democrats oppose it despite their previous support of similar measures. With media narratives conveniently blaming Republicans for the shutdown, it feels like there’s a bit of selective memory at play. Funny how history gets rewritten when the same tactics switch political hands. Polls showing who’s to blame seem as reliable as a weather forecast from a broken weather vane, swaying and pointing wherever the wind of public opinion or media bias directs.
In a world where the Senate needs a certain number of votes to pass anything, it seems some are forgetting the math involved. Teixeira points out a rather essential fact: to pass a resolution, Democrats need to contribute their votes, too. Yet, there’s a reluctance akin to negotiating with metaphorical terrorists—better not to negotiate at all. As the Democrats dig in their heels, holding the government and military personnel hostage over unruly demands, it’d do well to remember that shutting down the government isn’t the winning strategy they think it is. As they say in baseball, you can’t win if you don’t play fair.
