1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

This one is for Dick, but I wanted you all to see it. It's nearly 2 AM, and the first snow storm is covering Chicago. An omen, it seems, for what will undoubtedly be a long and miserable winter, and the next 3 years to follow, in some part thanks to you, Dick. I am writing to you as a furious and deeply disappointed constituent. Your decision to stand with Republicans and be one of the few Democrats to vote to end the shutdown without extracting anything meaningful in return is a betrayal. We got nothing from Republicans. Nothing for workers, nothing for the communities already on the brink, nothing to show that our side fought for us when it mattered. Nothing to show for this record breaking shut down. NOTHING. You did not just cast a procedural vote. You chose, in a moment of real leverage, to surrender it. You chose to ease pressure on a party (and administration) that has repeatedly shown open contempt for working class people, for democracy, for our country's beautiful diversity, and for the most vulnerable among us. You chose to side with them over the people who put you in office. Hear this plainly. You and your colleagues had one of the few tools available to force even a minimal level of accountability. Instead, you helped hand the Republicans exactly what they wanted: relief from political consequences with no concessions and no protections for the people who will bear the brunt of their cruelty. You did this knowing full well that ordinary people would keep paying the price while those in power walk away untouched. Mark my words: We will remember this, Dick. I will be actively supporting efforts to see you replaced. I will donate, organize, and speak out in favor of a primary challenger who understands that "compromise" does not mean capitulation, and that solidarity with Republicans who refuse to govern responsibly is not bipartisanship— it is complicity. If you still care about the people who trusted you with this office, you ought issue a clear, public explanation for this vote— not with excuses or justifications, not with spin, but with honest acknowledgment of what you chose to give away, and why. Recognize the harm you've done and take responsibility for it, millions of Americans will be priced out of healthcare. Tens of thousands will die. We are calling for you to resign and make room for someone who will actually fight for us when it counts. We don't need any of you conservatives in liberal clothing (or offices). We deserved better from you. And you failed us.