When Will Enough Be Enough? Republicans Must Hear from the People They Serve

As our nation sits paralyzed by the longest government shutdown in history, millions of Americans are left asking the same question: Why are the people we elected to represent us playing political games with our lives?

At the center of this shutdown is a simple, reasonable offer. Democrats proposed a one-year extension of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA),  a lifeline that helps over 40 million Americans afford health insurance. It is a temporary solution, meant to keep families covered and protect lives while lawmakers worked toward a more permanent agreement.

But instead of negotiating, top Republicans flatly refused, which will cause 40 million people to see their health insurance double or triple January 1st.  The Republicans did not have a problem voting to give billions to large corporations and the wealthy 1% of Americans, yet when it comes to helping 40 million working Americans, they refuse, citing the cost is too high.  Are you kidding me?

This isn’t just political maneuvering. This is personal and in my opinion political suicide. This is about a single mom who’s now wondering how she’ll afford her child’s asthma medication. This is about a middle-aged worker who just got laid off and relies on subsidized insurance to get cancer screenings. This is about veterans, seniors, and working families caught in the crosshairs of party pride and misplaced priorities.  And the worst part?  They don't seem to care about anyone other than their rich donors.

Billions for Corporations, Scraps for the People

What makes this even more infuriating is the hypocrisy. While everyday Americans are being told “we can’t afford” basic healthcare subsidies, Republicans have handed out billions in tax breaks and bailouts to corporations and high-income individuals.

• Multi-billion-dollar companies are cashing in.   Rough estimates say they will get between 1 and 1.3 trillion for years 2026-2033.

• The wealthy continue to get wealthier.  The top 5% received 44% of the tax cuts under Trump's 2025 bill, estimated to add 422 billion to their income for 2026-2033.

• Meanwhile, the working poor are told to wait. To suffer. To “understand it’s complicated.”  The calculated loss to lower and middle income Americans from SNAP and the ACA is estimated to be 308 billion.  

It’s not complicated. It’s calculated. It’s deliberate. And it’s wrong.  As you can see Trump's policies are take from the poor and working class and give to the wealthy.  That is not right, but that is what is happening.  The Democrats are fighting to save at least the ACA but they need our help.  I've voted Republican most of my life but I can no longer support their unfair policies aimed at the middle and lower income earners.

This Shutdown Hurts All of Us

While political leaders posture in front of cameras, the real-world consequences are immediate:

• Federal workers go unpaid.

• Vital government services are delayed or halted.

• Small businesses can’t get loans.

• Families on food assistance programs wait in fear.

• Confidence in our institutions continues to erode.

• The world looks upon America in disbelief.  Every other first world country works to support their middle and lower class.  Only in America are our elected officials trying to destroy them.  I'm predicting that if it gets bad enough there will be riots in the streets, which is what Trump would love to see.  That way he can send in the national guard and even possibly stop the 2027 elections.  I know that sounds crazy and I am hoping I am wrong but that is my prediction.  

The longer this goes on, the more damage is done—not to politicians in Washington, but to the rest of us who don’t have private jets, golden parachutes, or a lobbyist whispering in our ear.

Do They Really Think This Will Win Votes?

The refusal to extend ACA subsidies, without any clear alternative or viable path forward is political suicide. If Republicans think this kind of obstructionism will earn them voter loyalty in 2026, they’re grossly out of touch with the people who put them in office.

Americans are tired. Tired of the gridlock. Tired of the blame games. Tired of leaders who protect the wealthy while telling the rest of us to fend for ourselves.

If something doesn’t change and fast we’re not just heading toward a midterm backlash.

We’re heading for a Democratic landslide.

Call to Action: Make Your Voice Heard — Loudly and Clearly

This is the time to speak up. Call your representative. Email your senator. Show up at town halls. Make it absolutely clear that this behavior is unacceptable—especially if you voted Republican.

Tell them:

• You want healthcare protected.

• You expect real solutions, not stonewalling.

• You demand leadership that puts people over party.

And tell them that if they refuse to listen, they won’t be holding their seat much longer.

We cannot sit back and watch while millions lose coverage, workers miss paychecks, and our country inches closer to collapse—all because a few lawmakers would rather cater to donors than do their jobs.

Let’s flood the phones. Let’s pack the inboxes. Let’s remind these elected officials that they work for us, not the special interests.

This has to end—and it has to end now.

Call your representative. Demand they support an extension to ACA subsidies and end the shutdown immediately.  The number for the White House is:  202-456-1111.  The number for the Capital Switchboard is:  202-224-3121.  When you call they wil ask you for your zip code or state.

Note:  As of November 9th you get a message from Karoline Leavitt that says "Because the Democrats choose to keep the funding for the Affordable Care Act for illegal aliens and criminals, rather than open the government the White House is unable to take you call at this time."  The Capital Switchboard is still open.

Here’s what to say when you call (or email):

📞 Phone Script for Calling Your Representative

Hi, my name is [Your Name] and I’m a voter in [Your City/ZIP].

I’m calling because I am outraged that Republican leaders refused the proposal to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for one year. This decision puts over 40 million Americans at risk of losing their healthcare and worsens the impact of the ongoing government shutdown.

It is unacceptable that billion-dollar corporations receive tax breaks while hardworking Americans lose coverage, paychecks, and basic services.

I urge [Representative/Senator’s Name] to support an immediate extension of ACA subsidies and help end this shutdown now.

I’ll be watching how they vote—and I’ll remember in the next election.

Thank you.