How often do you hear the words “hard worker” used to describe a member of U.S. Congress? The truth is that obstructionism through partisanship is simply a way of avoiding work.
Reaching across the political aisle to compromise and reach consensus on details within bills and other initiatives requires labor, often tedious drudgery. Much of that work is done by Congress members’ staffs. But overseeing staff work is also demanding. It’s much easier to vote against actions from the opposite side of the aisle than to get important legislation passed in a bipartisan manner.
Political moderates like Rep. Mary Peltola and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who work across the aisle to get things done for Alaska and our country, are an endangered species in U.S. Congress. I consider both “hard workers” and wish there were more like them.
— Frank E. Baker
Eagle River
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.