The Los Angeles Times letter to the editor below illustrates the stark differences between Democrats and Republicans. My frustration, anxiety, and concern have grown recently as the number of polls showing the chances of a GOP Senate takeover have increased. If Dems and Independents don’t get their asses to the polls, those predictions will become a reality. And that reality will spawn more realities, scary ones, that will make the mess this country is in now look like paradise.
So before deciding to sit out the elections in November, please think again:
Like what happened to abortion clinics in Texas? Then don’t vote.
Like the Supreme Court’s decision that gutted the Voting Rights Act? Then don’t vote (those of you who still can).
Like the stupendously destructive GOP obstruction that has brought this Congress to a standstill? Then don’t vote.
Like the way Republicans mock and block any increase in the minimum wage? Then don’t vote.
Like the Republican attitude towards fixing our bridges, transportation and communication systems, power plants, and schools? Then don’t vote.
Like how the GOP treats women, minorities, the poor (aka “takers”), unions, the LGBT community? Then don’t vote.
Like the way conservatives think climate change is a hoax and refuse to take action to slow down impending disaster? Then don’t vote.
Like the way those on the right treat/talk about immigrants? Then don’t vote.
Like the status quo on mass shootings, allowing the wrong people to own firearms, and encouraging gun fondlers to brandish lethal weapons in public (unless, of course, they’re black)? Then don’t vote.
Like the way right wing extremists are itching to push creationism into the curriculum at your child’s school? Then don’t vote.
Like privatization? Then don’t vote.
Like the Koch brothers? Then don’t vote.
Like allowing religious zealots to threaten, stalk, and intimidate women at health services centers? Then don’t vote.
Like watching public schools crumble so that private schools that put profit first can thrive? Then don’t vote.
Like financial martial law? Then don’t vote.
Like the idea of the Consumer Protection Agency going away? Then don’t vote.
Like the idea of repealing Obamacare and impeaching President Obama instead of passing laws that will improve the economy, education, immigration reform, civil rights, and more? Then don’t vote.
Like Rick Snyder, Rick Scott, Joni Ernst, Pat Roberts, Greg Abbott, and Mitch McConnell? Then don’t vote.
Like handing over both houses of Congress to the GOP? Then don’t vote:
Doyle McManus tells us that neither political party has a compelling message to attract voters in the upcoming election. (“Why so many voters care so little about the midterm elections,” Op-Ed, Sept. 30)
What could be more compelling than keeping the Affordable Care Act, raising the minimum wage, extending unemployment benefits, improving the nation’s infrastructure, addressing the problems of climate change and improving access to voting for all eligible citizens, all of which Democrats stand for and Republicans stand against?
If voters don’t understand these fundamental differences, it is their ignorance that is at fault, not messaging.
Barbara Kohn, Sherman Oaks
Despite what you may believe, every vote does count.
I was displeased to hear the news Dubya encourages brother Jeb to run. God knows I told all of them not to do this! Nice seeing you, Laffy.
Same here, U!
I hate Republicans.
I hate people who vote them into office.
X2 ..