Shutdown impasse should not be taken lightly

While I do not agree with every editorial the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette publishes, I respect the right to drift to a more conservative approach. I have friends who have canceled their subscription due to the PG’s opinions, but I continue to subscribe so as to not filter my political opinions in one exclusive direction.

The current government shutdown and the political battle between the Trump administration and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s caucus is deplorable. Their inability to find common ground leaves some 800,000 federal workers without a paycheck. I fear that the economic instability of these dedicated employees is considered nothing more than collateral damage in this political squabble.

The editorial cartoon choices are sometimes funny, sometimes not; so be it. But Sunday’s editorial cartoon regarding the government shutdown impasse is an insult to both sides of the issue. The editorial board has sunk to a new low when they frame this very serious lapse in governing by critiquing Ms. Pelosi’s physical appearance but not the important issues behind the shutdown.

When someone resorts to criticizing the appearance of others, he has lost the argument. Most importantly, the PG may lose readership. Losing subscriptions over a political debate may win the day, but the loss of subscription revenue will have a negative effect on the rank and file employees of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Those dedicated PG workers may be the next group of economic collateral damage. KATHY BUCK Ross