To the Editor:

Re “Hey, Democrats, What About the Senate?” (Editorial Observer, July 2):

Regarding Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, Michelle Cottle writes, “Restorin g sanity to the Senate requires removing Mr. McConnell from power, either by unseating him or by stripping him of his majority.”

The Republicans in the Senate are equally responsible for keeping Mr. McConnell as their leader. By doing so, they validate his behavior. In theory, a few of them could side with the Democrats to overthrow Mr. McConnell’s grip on power. It’s unusual, but what isn’t in this time of Trump?

It’s time to hold Senate Republicans responsible for their actions, and their inaction. Collectively, they have made our noble country into a joke, and one that a quick look at our southern border shows is not a funny joke at all.

Collaborators are guilty during these times of humanitarian obscenities.

Philip Protter

New York

To the Editor:

Michelle Cottle could have titled her Editorial Observer, “Hey, Democrats, Stop Debating While Washington Burns.” Though having 20 candidates argue about who is more working class and whose health plan is more inclusive might be interesting if the political landscape were “normal” — whatever that really means — right now, it’s tragic.