Make It Stop

As I’ve written before, I’m not a politico. This angers some people who feel I should have a strong opinion, driven by politics or party, that is vehemently shared and defended in the CV Weekly. But I don’t operate that way. I purposely don’t immerse myself in matters swirling around politics. When I voice my opinion on an issue that happens to have political components – like my Jan. 10 column involving Gov. Newsom’s inaugural speech and how it relates to illegal immigration – my opinion was not motivated by politics but by my thoughts on the matter. Some people understand this and, whether they agree or not, are open to sharing their opinion, too. I value this aspect of the paper and consider it an honor to be able to present all reasonable opinions and ideas. That’s what our Viewpoints section is all about and, this week, where you will find Representative Adam Schiff’s op-ed piece.

Not surprising – since he’s knee-deep in it – the focus of his column this month deals with the serious repercussions of the government shutdown. Thankfully, my household has not been directly hit by this month-long stoppage but man! Does my heart go out to the people who are questioning how they’re going to put food on the table or pay their mortgage or rent. I can’t imagine their panic, though I do remember the same thing happening years ago when my mom worked at the DMV and there was a government shutdown that affected her paycheck. I also remember when, a couple of years ago, Steve and I had planned to travel to Washington, D.C. but a shutdown occurred, closing most of the tourist areas. We decided not to travel after all, eating the cost of the tickets (something that was tough to do but we felt there was little choice).

The shutdown that is experienced today is epic in that it has lasted so long. I understand the President’s point-of-view – he campaigned on the promise of “building that wall” – but I also understand Congress’ position that border safety doesn’t have to be a wall, but some other means.

Whatever. You would think that a compromise of some sort could be reached. After all, it took LAUSD and UTLA a comparatively short eight days to arrive at some sort of agreement. Maybe Mayor Garcetti is needed in Washington.

However a solution is negotiated, I’m sure I echo the voices of thousands – if not millions – by saying, “Just make it stop.”

  robin goldsworthy