As I watch the events of government unfolding, it has become clear that the Democrat party many seemed to favor decades ago has been left behind with socialist thinking. Do standard bearer democrats today appreciate the call of “Democratic Socialists of America” as their rally cry? New York City may be the first of many cities to go a socialist route.

Democrats who care about the party need to step up and not let the socialists control what was once a revered party of the people. Bernie Sanders is in his glory; he finally has cohorts in his socialist thinking. Do people not realize that socialism will lead to problems never seen by this country in the previous 250 years of our existence? Liberals are supporting rioters who condemn rational thinking by using terrorism. Where is the common sense that many should have at birth? It needs to burst forth soon before the Socialist-Dems completely control the party and are responsible for the demise of democracy.

We watch as the government shutdown continues well over a month. Where are the common sense Democrats that vote like John Fetterman when they are needed most? He shows more care and compassion than the so-called Democrat leaders in Congress combined.

He has stated he is for the country, not the party. In mid-October the Washington Post commented, “Fetterman confronted over why he’s still a Dem as party plots ouster: ‘You have to pick one side.’ He stated that he wants to ‘follow the truth.’ ” To me that shows the character he possesses is what the party despises because thinking for himself and what’s good for the country appears to go against their rules.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has demanded bipartisan negotiations to extend expiring Affordable Care Act healthcare subsidies before Democrats will vote to reopen the government. Republican leaders say Democrats need to help reopen the government first and then turn to any talks. Doesn’t that make sense? It’s a pity and shame the American people are held hostage and made to suffer because Schumer and others like to grandstand the issue and make themselves look like they care. Constituents need to tell these phony politicians to get busy and do the job for which they were elected. In reality they need to be replaced with representatives in government who actually place the welfare of citizens over party politics.

The new ballroom in the White House will be used by scores of people, many more visitors than a bowling alley, swimming pool, basketball court, or movie theater that previous presidents built for their personal use in the “People’s House” that Hillary Clinton has called it. Trump and donors are paying for it, so what is the problem?

Trump Derangement Syndrome has again reared its ugly head, giving the Dems another thing about which to complain. Listening to them is getting to be tiresome; they spin the same tales in new ways, but the results are the same: lies and innuendos that many believe without ever knowing or caring to know the truth.

What is the truth? According to the White House Historical Society:

— 1805 – Thomas Jefferson began construction on two one-story colonnades extending east and west from the White House on the footprint of what would become the modern East and West Wings.

— 1902 – President Theodore Roosevelt ordered the construction of the East and West Wings. While the West Wing housed offices for the president’s staff, the East Wing primarily served as a receiving area for visitors and guests attending functions at the White House. 

— 1942 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded the East Wing’s footprint and added a second story. He originally intended it to house a White House museum, but the space became filled with offices and support staff. During the expansion, an underground bomb shelter was constructed as the United States had recently entered World War II. President Roosevelt also converted a room previously used as a coat room into a movie theatre.

The White House has seen changes before and most likely will see more in the future, but that is the least concern of anyone at this point. Getting the government running again has to be taken seriously by all involved; too many lives depend on it.

Norma Bankoske is a Warren resident.