Letters to the Editor | March 17, 2024

Harper Leary, a new voter, laments in a recent op-ed that she has no one to vote for in the presidential race and that it is a choice between the lesser of the two evils and not voting at all. Harper, welcome to my world. My first election was in 1972, and I voted against Richard Nixon. In almost every election after that, I voted for candidates who I perceived to be the lesser of two evils. “First, do no harm” has been my mantra.

You may never find a candidate who represents all of your values, or who makes all of the decisions you would prefer. But to sit out an election is to give up, to abdicate your ability to contribute in some small way to keeping America moving forward. And don’t forget that the smallest of positions up for election can make significant impacts. Elect enough candidates at the bottom of the ticket that reflect your values, and significant change can occur. Find a local candidate who inspires you and help them get elected. We need voters who care.

Joan Farrell, Egg Harbor, N.J.

President Joe Biden speaks of possibilities, of a “future for America.” His predecessor talks only of instilling fear and consequences for those who disagree with and defy him. Biden talks of a path to citizenship for immigrants. The other candidate talks of building deportation camps for migrants. Biden talks of sustaining Social Security and Medicare benefits for our country’s senior citizens. His opponent talks of eliminating these benefits since they are “entitlements” (certainly a misnomer). Biden talks of saving and strengthening our democracy. The other candidate speaks of declaring himself an autocrat, a dictator. We are taught to believe the words a person says.

Critics talk of the differences between Biden and his predecessor in terms of physical stamina. Stamina means “the ability to sustain prolonged effort.” Some synonyms for stamina are tirelessness, steadfastness, perseverance, dependability. Let’s consider more than physical stamina. I challenge those critics: Consider the differences between Biden and his opponent in terms of moral stamina, ethical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual stamina. Which person do you want to be the president of our great country?

Suzy Eyler, Deptford

The imperfect democracy of Ukraine is valiantly attempting to defend itself against invasion by a brutal, murderous, dictator with dreams of a new Soviet empire. Nearly 200,000 Ukrainians have been killed or wounded since Vladimir Putin’s assault began two years ago. Yet, congressional Republicans are now blocking American assistance to them. What has happened to the party that used to be an anti-Soviet icon? How can today’s Republicans call themselves champions of freedom? Will a leader emerge who can change this disgusting cult of Donald Trump and restore the party of which I was once a proud member? So far, it doesn’t look like it.

The best thing patriotic, freedom-loving voters can do is clean the House and Senate of these Republican sycophants and replace them with people who truly represent us, people who understand what it means to be an American and act accordingly. Maybe then these people will see the light. Let’s all get out and vote in November, and put the U.S. back on the list of democratic, freedom-loving countries. A country that is willing to pay a price to preserve its values.

James A. Morano, New Britain Township

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