By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, Democrats remain unified, refusing to concede on healthcare demands, and place blame on President Trump for his unwillingness to negotiate. A major consequence looms as millions face the potential loss of food aid through the SNAP program, with the USDA stating it will not use contingency funds. Despite Democratic calls for the administration to act and Republican concerns about the program, the stalemate continues, with both sides trading blame and offering differing solutions to the shutdown’s impact.
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Democrats are learning a valuable lesson: sometimes, the best strategy is to stand firm. Backing down now would be disastrous. The Republicans, emboldened, would immediately shift the blame for rising healthcare costs and everything else onto them. It’s a calculated gamble, but it appears to be a necessary one.
The Trump loyalists are a lost cause. However, a potent attack line against independent voters at the midterms is ready: “Republicans cut your food stamps while splurging on Argentina and Trump’s ballroom.” It’s a simple, stark contrast that highlights priorities, or lack thereof.
Then there’s that astounding comment from a doctor, admitting that weaponizing the potential suffering of pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to gain a political advantage. It highlights the lengths some will go to for political gain. While the conservative echo chamber seems to be working on their response.
Food aid, particularly programs like SNAP and WIC, are crucial, especially during a crisis like a government shutdown. It’s not about wishful thinking; Trump appears to be illegally withholding funds that should be allocated to these essential programs. It is a disgrace that $40 billion can be given to Argentina while Americans go hungry.
The Democrats must not waver. Crumbling will likely mean our healthcare costs will skyrocket, leaving families unable to afford basic extracurricular activities, crippling entire industries.
There needs to be a concentrated effort to combat the lies being spread on Fox News and elsewhere. They’re claiming to be cutting funding to food insecurity programs, offering tax breaks to Americans (when it’s really the top few percent) and alleging that Democrats are voting to give health insurance to illegal immigrants (which isn’t even legal). One side is relentlessly spreading misinformation, while the other struggles to effectively communicate the truth. The Democrats should point to the priorities of the Trump administration and where they are finding the money. Food aid had nothing to do with the shutdown. The blame is squarely on Trump and the GOP.
This crisis is prompting many to assign blame directly to Trump and the Republicans. The Democrats are sharing the blame, but the origin and blame starts with Trump and the GOP. An act of solidarity for Democrats during the lock down would be a donation of salary.
The conservative approach has always been about private governance. Trump, in his own way, seemed to destroy the federal government. The Republicans in the House of Representatives, for reasons unknown to them, are simply taking an extended vacation.
The Democrats are holding strong, and as they should. Trump’s actions are drawing attention to healthcare and making it impossible for them to reopen the government. If the Republicans want to reopen the government, they can do so immediately.
Those who are suffering may do so under the Trump administration. If the Republicans want to open the government, they have the power to kill the filibuster rule and pass the bill by a simple majority.
The Democrats shouldn’t budge. The only incentive to move forward is the election day, and perhaps this is the only leverage to save SNAP.
The crisis of food aid has nothing to do with any action the Democrats have done.
The situation is a testament to the Trump administration and the failure of government. The media is being lazy on who is to blame. The Republicans are more content with a shutdown.