Regarding the government shutdown and the impasse over the wall, I think we should take a page from the Catholic Church. When a new pope is needed the cardinals are called to the Vatican for a conclave. They are put into a large room with no communication to the outside. The doors are locked till a new pope is chosen. White smoke then issues from a chimney and the crowds outside cheer. The events inside the conclave are not discussed.

In Washington, say 20 people are chosen, 10 from each party, half each from the House and the Senate. They would be locked in a room without alcohol or electronics. The government is immediately opened and everybody would have to agree to accept their choice, including the president. If after two or three days they can’t come to an agreement, their food rations would be progressively decreased. Finally, with an agreement in hand the issue would be settled. This way the government is opened, some sort of a barrier is built on the southern border following the instructions of the experts on the ground, everybody’s approval ratings go up, including Congress, and nobody would lose face.

As that is what it’s all about: not losing face.

Bill Schmidt

New London