Senators, stop grandstanding

Re “NSA spy program shuts down,” June 1

Sen. Rand Paul’s (RKy.) grandstanding caused the National Security Agency’s data collection process to be shut down. While the program’s existence and scope can (and should) be debated, Paul’s actions are simply another example of an opportunistic GOP senator taking it upon himself to cause a major disruption.

A disturbing pattern seems to be forming among Republican senators. First, Texas’ Ted Cruz helped to shut down the government. Then, Arkansas’ Tom Cotton subverted the Iran nuclear negotiations. And now, Paul has taken it upon himself to decide for all of us what’s in the best interest of our national security.

In each of these cases the GOP senators were pilloried by some members of their own party. Yet the thirst for media attention these types of damaging political stunts attract trumps all else.

These actions reflect breathtaking levels of hubris and self-interest. When will it stop?

Matthew Sinerman

Newbury Park

Now I can send China the addresses of where our H-bombs are?

Jack Collins

Duarte