I have a similar senator in St. Louis and now, recently, a newly elected second one, and they do NOT wish to send aid to CA, without numerous attached strings. Admittedly, I think this attitude over suffering people is far more immoral than cynical, but still, you make some great points. And rather than skeptical (which can also connote constant doubt), I prefer the term discerning. BUT, and here is where I resonate, I’m far too quick to jump to conclusions and to assign bad motives, ALWAYS, whenever I disagree politically. What I am not doing so well, but trying and learning, is to dialog w/ people (if they will–often they refuse) and to hear their side of things. Sometimes their motives are a far cry from what I presume, even if I don’t like the results, words, or actions. And bottom line is that Jesus calls us to an uncompromising love and to remember that we, too, are sinners (ask me how I know *I* am!!!), and it’s good for me to remember soberly there but for the grace of God, mostly assuredly go I!! If I respond well and do not take offense, God gets the credit. If I am haughty and presumptuous, that is on me!