1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am seeing news that Democrats are considering compromising on annual appropriations bills because they don't want to get blamed for a shutdown. I am extremely concerned that Democrats are considering throwing away the one major chip they have in this game out of cowardice. Considering everything going on, I cannot believe it would be that hard for you to explain that you cannot sign off on spending as they gut the government. Nor do I think it is wise to not do something substantive because you're worried about optics, for an election 20 months away. If you compromise on these issues, not only will you save the Republicans from themselves, you will be complicit in what happens next. Don't sell us out. If you are worried people won't vote for you because of a shutdown, we won't vote for you if you don't stand up for us either. Show us that you have principles you are willing to stick your neck out for and people will be willing to follow.