Republicans are United in Cruelty. Dems Must Not Divide on Principle
by Mark M. Bello
After weeks of chaos, we finally have a deal to end the shutdown. And what have we learned? Deja Vu all over again.
Republicans remain laser-focused on one thing: rewarding the rich and punishing everyone else. Democrats, as has become their habit, insist on fighting each other.
Eight Democratic senators voted for a compromise to keep the government open, even though no agreement was reached extending health care subsidies that millions rely on. Progressives aren’t happy. I get it. But anger doesn’t reopen closed offices, restart federal employee paychecks, or feed hungry families before Thanksgiving.
Sometimes governing means compromising today and fighting the next battle later.
The GOP’s Cruel Consistency
Republicans are never divided when it comes to gutting programs that help ordinary people. They are united in opposing affordable health care, food subsidies, and wage protections. They don’t care if the government stays shut down for months as long as they get paid, billionaires get their tax cuts, and corporations get their loopholes. If you’re middle- or lower-income, Republicans have made it abundantly clear—they have nothing for you.
Nothing on health care.
Nothing on fair taxes.
Nothing on immigration reform.
Nothing on economic justice for the middle class.
Republicans only bet on resentment and fear.
The Case for Perspective
Progressives wanted a deal on health care subsidies. They wanted to continue to fight for that elusive deal. However, shutting down the government indefinitely isn’t an act of moral purity, and to many, it seemed to be an act of political self-harm.
Thanksgiving is almost here. Families are hungry. Federal workers are without paychecks. Air traffic, travel, and essential services are disrupted. Can we build a fairer country if the government isn’t functioning?
By ending the shutdown, Democrats must regroup and fight smarter in early 2026, when the next round of subsidy negotiations is expected to begin. One thing is certain—the GOP will once again (and always) be on the wrong side of that fight.
Eyes on the Real Prize: 2026 & 2028
If Democrats want real leverage beyond negotiating as the minority party during a government shutdown, I have a novel idea for them: Win elections! Become the majority party again!
If Democrats can hold it together, 2026 and 2028 offer a clear roadmap to progress:
- Health Care: Protect and expand subsidies. Move toward universal coverage.
- Fair Taxes: Reverse Trump-era breaks for the wealthy.
- Immigration Reform: Fix our broken system, humanely and securely.
- The Economy: Build a living-wage, worker-first economy.
These are winning issues—if Democrats stop shooting at each other long enough to win back the House and Senate in 2026 and the White House in 2028. The truth is simple: It is difficult to change a system when you’ve lost majority control of that system.
The Bottom Line
Don’t love the compromise? Fine. Survive it and use it as fuel for the next battle and the one after that. Be angry if it makes you feel better, but do not, under any circumstances, let it divide you. Republicans will stay united against lifting the working class. And while Republicans remain united in cruelty, Democrats must remain united in compassion and fundamental fairness..
That’s how you win.
That’s how you govern.
That’s how you rebuild America.
So, stop the fighting and join the party, the Democratic Party.
Mark M. Bello is an attorney and author of 9 Zachary Blake Legal Thrillers and other legal themed novels and children’s books. For more information, please visit https://www.markmbello.com