Americans deserve better than this

Kathleen Kelley, Henderson

Monday, Oct. 14, 2013 | 2:03 a.m.

The failure of Congress to fulfill its duty to the American people is unconscionable.

Ideological grandstanding yields no benefit to anyone except those who exploit it for partisan purposes and to gain notoriety. Our representatives need to recognize the harm this standoff and resultant government shutdown has already caused the nation and encourage their colleagues to find the common ground necessary to get beyond this impasse. As a voter, I expect practical solutions to problems, not hostage negotiations.