Re: Lois Eisenberg, letters, “My House Is Being Demolished,” Nov. 4.
First let’s remember how Barack Obama once hosted ambassadors and heads of state. In a tent! And formally dressed guests had to use “Porta Potties.” How embarrassing!
President Donald Trump still plans to get approval from the National Capital Planning Commission for the change.
Let’s remember other changes made by earlier presidents.
1. Teddy Roosevelt added the West Wing to the White House in 1902.
2. Franklin Delano Roosevelt added a second floor in 1934 and added a swimming pool.
3. Harry Truman gutted the entire White House interior in 1948; restored in 1950.
4. Richard Nixon covered the pool in 1970.
5. Obama destroyed the tennis courts, adding a basketball court in their place.
Conclusion: Presidents have made changes for over 100 years.
Now, let’s dispute your claim about the shutdown. Yes, Republicans are “in charge” of all three branches of the government. The House passed a “clean” continuing resolution and the majority of the Senate voted to approve it. So what happened? The Democrats used the filibuster, requiring 60 votes and the CR (14 times) only got three Democratic votes. Democrats stopped the CR, claiming it must include Obamacare bailouts.
Albert Bigelow
Valencia
