In asking Sen. King and Rep. Pingree to comply with Republicans’ plan to finish negotiating the government funding bill “in seven weeks,” Steve Collins is imagining a reality that no longer exists (“Susan Collins says shutdown can be averted. Republicans can be relied upon on to “not do” what they say they “will do.” Democrats don’t need to play Charlie Brown, falling yet again for Lucy’s promise to hold the football while he kicks it. This time, Democrats should hold fast to their demands, until the Republicans’ master, Donald Trump, allows them to actually negotiate, to make a deal. That is what statesmen and stateswomen do. Sen. Susan Collins should use her clout to bring everyone to the table, now.