Editorial: What ever happened to compromise?

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - While visiting the top of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee last week, I experienced firsthand the results of the government shutdown as the National Park Service is just one of many government agencies not fully operational.

In other words I had to deal with the public restrooms being closed. I will tell you that the trip down the mountain was a lot quicker than the one going up. Though the experience was an inconvenience, it was something easily overcome for me, but not for those government employees not getting paid.

The current government shutdown is due to President Trump wanting $5 billion to fund a border wall. The Democrats are not willing to provide that funding. Ironically, border security has been a common topic and supported by the last three presidents with all of them agreeing that border security should be a priority. Then why all of the sudden is the subject taboo? I sense because it is a Trump idea. Trump ran on the promise to build a wall, he wants to deliver on his promise.

Once again, the divisiveness in our government is preventing progress. Both sides need to come to a compromise here. The president needs to consider starting the wall with less money, but not the $1.3 billion the Democrats are offering. Who are we kidding, the wall will never be finished before the next election. So, at least get it started. The democrats need to give the President a sum that is not the full amount but certainly not less than half. Each side must show a victory, but both sides need to look at what’s best for the country. Right now, this senseless game of chicken will do nothing to protect our country or assist our government employees from getting paid.

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