To the Editor:
I’ve been canvassing for local Democratic candidates over the last few weeks, knocking on the doors of registered Democrats who may not have voted recently. I met a couple, still registered Democrats, who are vehemently opposed to another Democratic administration. They said they believe that inflation is because of Democrats, that Kamala Harris wants to add thousands of additional border guards to process more immigrants into the country faster, that she will make the rich richer and we will pay for it with higher taxes. It frightens me that there may be many others who believe the misinformation behind these positions.
To counteract the lies that are being spread about our candidates, misinformation that comes from deceitful advertising and social media posts, we must state and repeat the truth about our candidates (see footnotes below for source material).
On immigration, Harris/Walz will adopt the bipartisan border bill which Donald Trump stopped because he said he needed immigration to be an issue in this race. This bill would put more resources into guarding the border while speeding decisions about migrants’ claims for asylum. Fixing the system will eliminate the incentives for migrants to cross the border illegally. *1
On taxes, Vice President Harris intends to make wealthy people and corporations pay their fair share, while providing tax breaks for young families and first time home buyers.*2 In contrast, Donald Trump has*3 and will extend*4 the tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. The middle class will be better off under a Harris/Walz presidency than under Trump/Vance.
On education, the Republicans are threatening to cut federal funding for public schools by 50% *5 and abolish the Department of Education.*6 What will that do to our public schools? What will that do to our real estate taxes?
On abortion, Democrats believe that decisions about having children should be made by the woman herself and those she wishes to consult, not the government. Abortion bans like those now being passed in Republican controlled states*7 threaten the health and well being of women*8 by imposing the religious beliefs of a minority of voters*9 on all others, violating both Freedom of Religion and the Separation of Church and State.
The truth may not be as enticing as the disinformation being used to discredit Democratic candidates. But if our country wants to avoid going backward, we must all be willing to speak out and help our fellow citizens understand the stakes in this election. We may not convince our neighbors right away, but we can present the facts and hope they will look beyond the hype and dishonesty that threatens to swamp our democracy. We each have a voice. Let’s use it.
Maria Modica-Snow
Peekskill
Footnotes …
*6 foxnews.com/politics/trump-push-dismantle-education-department-gets-momentum-house-gop
*7 thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4588813-abortion-laws-by-state-explained/
*8 publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/a-year-without-roe
*9 pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/06/21/where-major-religious-groups-stand-on-abortion/
