Deal to end shutdown, FDA ending hormone drug labels

The aftermath of a shutdown

Before this long shutdown began, many Republicans had already brushed off their oaths of office, allowing President Donald Trump to control Congress [“Senate deal passes, first step toward reopening,” News, Nov. 11].

Thousands of federal workers were fired, guardrails were removed, institutions were destroyed, and the Supreme Court, for the most part, became the president’s personal legal sword.

The shutdown was painful, but until this administration realigns itself with the Constitution, things likely will only get worse.

— Bob Bascelli, Seaford

The government was shut down on Oct. 1 while Americans could only sit back and watch Congress fail to function in the best interest of all of us. The divisions in our government caused families to live in a constant state of uncertainty as the people in charge played with our security.

When it comes right down to it, most of us want the same thing: a way to keep our families safe and pass on a better life to the next generation. This was not the way to do it.

The government should have prioritized the greater good of the people, not its political agenda. We are all exhausted and tired of the games they play with our lives.

— Brenda Ferrante, Lindenhurst

The American people are not supposed to be used as leverage. We have rights. In a democracy, we vote for those who promise us protection and provide a service to their public.

How has Congress been serving its public? Shame on them for sacrificing their constituents for political gain for six weeks.

— Nancy DiMonte, Elwood

Many federal workers have been suffering due to circumstances beyond their control. They have risked defaulting on mortgages, credit card payments, and other debts. They have had trouble feeding their families.

Why didn’t financial institutions suspend these debts and interest payments until the politicians finally got their act together? The major players should have shared some of the pain while relieving some stress on those who had been caught in this bind.

— Jeffrey Rothburd, Dix Hills

I’m a lifelong Republican and in most elections I pretty much vote along party lines. I understand that our two political parties don’t agree on most major issues. Sometimes, a compromise is the only solution. I long for the day when members of Congress — Republican or Democrat — votes with their conscience for the good of Americans.

We mostly have a Congress that rules by “my way or the highway.”

— Rich Sundermier, Rockville Centre

House Republicans had been on vacation with pay while many air traffic controllers, along with some other federal workers, have regularly shown up for work without receiving pay. Do you see any inequities here?

— Mary McCormick, East Northport

Warning label removal bad move by FDA

As a survivor of a stroke linked to hormone replacement therapy, I am concerned by the Food and Drug Administration removing the black label from these packages [“Hormone drug labels ending,” Nation & World, Nov. 11]. It is crucial for women to be fully informed about all the potential risks associated with any medication they consider.

I understand the trauma it can cause. While I was fortunate to recover fully, the impact lingers. It is my hope that no other woman has to endure such a frightening ordeal.

— Diane Kraut, Commack