Envision a pebble tossed in a lake and the ripples it causes. In 50 states, 800,000 government workers were not getting paid. Families depend on them for life’s necessities. They are customers of businesses that suffer in turn, and the ripples widen.

With the lives of many federal workers and contractors changed forever, people will think twice about serving their country in federal government.

We know whom the shutdown hurts. Whom does it help? The Trump family, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, millionaire Cabinet members, and those who love influence and money.

Democrats holding firm are not just playing politics. It is about the damage this unchallenged administration has wreaked in every sector of American life for two years, from weakening protections on the air we breathe and the water we drink to alienating international allies.

Who else benefits from the turmoil, the dissension and disruption — in other words, a weakened U.S.A.? My guess is it’s this president’s favorite dictator.

Judith Goldman

Ala Moana

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