If you are concerned about climate change, women’s reproductive rights, gun violence, health care, our democracy, public school funding, racism, LGBTQ rights, voter suppression, the rule of law, book banning, Social Security, and Medicare, don’t waste your vote on Republicans. Immigration? This is the responsibility of Congress, but for years Republicans have blocked all attempts at setting policy, the latest being a bipartisan bill this year, twice, because they wanted it as a campaign issue. Trump’s Great Immigration Round-Up will be incredibly expensive, economically disastrous, and cruel. Republican politicians are undermining our faith in elections by selling their souls to the Big Lie. Since the 2020 election, Trump has offered no unrefuted proof that the election was stolen. Meanwhile there is abundant proof that Trump tried to steal it.

As if January 6 was foreshadowing, he’s predicting (cuing?) violence if he loses. U.S. Military Cadet Honor Code: “We will not lie, cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and live honorably, so help me God.” Would that their commander-in-chief would serve as honorably as these “suckers” and “losers”. Governance? In Congress, we’ve seen incredible Republican dysfunction: endless squabbling over the House speakership, a cynical two-year failed impeachment inquiry, and constant threats of government shutdowns. Then there’s Project 2025.The Republican Party appeals to the worst in us, exploiting fear, grievance and prejudice. Its rhetoric is violent and dehumanizing. It manipulates people with lies and conspiracy theories. What’s so “great”?

Allan MacDonald

New London