Letter to the Editor: Doing this would be better
Dear Editor,
It will a happy day when this election is over. If it ever is. I would love to think and write about things other than politics. Less controversial things, like religion, caregiving, Messi, and aging.
However, Larry Anderson in his column of October 24 replies to my reply. (We’ve got to stop meeting this way, Larry. People will talk.) Let me begin by fully supporting Anderson’s final point. “You can vote your conscience. . .I just hope you vote with full understanding…It’s time to take a stand for your nation and its future. We can do this and must.”
I totally agree. OK. I omitted the left-baiting reference. But not only can you and must you vote. You should.
Anderson asks why “liberals make no distinction between legal and illegal immigration?” But, Larry, I answered your argument by basing my reply only on illegal immigration. I used “undocumented immigrants” or “undocumented persons/people.” As I understand it, all these terms mean the same thing—a person who is in this country illegally, either crossing a border (although the only border that seems to matter to MAGA is Mexico. We never hear complaints about Canadian illegals), overstaying a student visa, staying on after being deported. The distinction between the two kinds of immigrants seems clear.
I am gratified that Anderson finds my points “defended and documented,” but he also finds them “open to further comment,” which he obligingly offers. I expected Anderson, as reader and grader of countless research papers, to answer in kind, with some supporting material. Imagine my disappoint when he doesn’t. I don’t find one source for Anderson’s arguments in the entire column.
I do find a lot of loaded terms; “crime,” “overcrowding,” “homelessness” “squatting,” and “incredible strain on social services.” For what purpose?
It is a Utopian vision that no crime is ever committed. My point was that aside from crossing the border illegally (point given) the undocumented population commits crime at a lesser rate than US born citizens and those who have entered legally. There are no “illegal crime gangs” terrorizing us. The immigrant argument is made to cause fear.
I was surprised to learn that “everyone” understands that illegal immigrants are not being allowed into the country to vote Democratic in the 2024 election. Trump doesn’t. Currently, he repeats and repeats the lie that hordes of “illegals” are being imported to vote against him. As to the fanciful conspiracy theory that these “illegals” will become Democratic supporters, tell that to the Cuban population in Florida and the legalized immigrants of Arizona who are staunchly Republican.
Liberals believe strongly in the law and that illegal acts should be prosecuted and, if found guilty, serve the full sentence the law provides. In fact, we wait anxiously for the 34-time convicted felon, currently running for President, to begin serving his sentence.
Anderson’s argument on the linkage between illegal immigration, the low birth-rate and the abortion issue is appalling, I must have misread him. Surely, he would not condemn a victim of rape to carry her rapist’s child to term simply to insure another “worker.” He cannot believe that a person who happens to be woman fulfills only one function, breeding babies for the work supply. I do not believe he thinks a woman’s life is not worth saving if she miscarries. No wonder he has problems with a woman running for President. He must be writing satire. Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal”?
Anderson ignores the economy this time around. Let me restate that Trump’s economic plan will cost $4 Trillion more than Harris’.
Once again, he deflects or ignores the real issues: the candidate’s maturity, ability to handle stress, stay focused, unite rather than to divide, positions on the issues, vision for America, support for the military, and enjoyment of life. And age. Please consider these before you cast your ballot.
Anderson says, “Our biggest problem is leadership that doesn’t fit our needs.” I agree. Trump’s statements and behaviors during the last weeks make it obvious that he is unfit for office. And he does not fit our needs.
Mentally Trump is compromised. Discussions of Arnold Palmer’s manhood are not high on my list of concerns. Nor was the question of the shark vs. the electric boat. Or Hannibal Lecter. Or the Weave.
A growing list of those who served him tell us he is unfit. When General Kelly, his longest serving Chief of Staff, tells us Trump is a Fascist, MAGA screams “Sour grapes from someone who was fired.” How many hours has MAGA spent excusing and explaining away behavior that they would condemn in anyone else? Aren’t MAGA members getting tired of it?
An increasing number of Republicans warn us about the danger an untethered Trump represents. So many, I have lost count.
This is not a normal election.
US Democracy can survive 4 years of Harris even if she is not “a moderate looking out for you and yours.”
Democracy cannot survive 4 years of Trump (or Vance) who want to muzzle the free press, use government agencies to persecute enemies, take over the justice department, stop personal liberty, and use the American military against America’s own citizens. (Trump here). Trump/Vance want absolute power, nothing like the balance of power as prescribed in the Constitution.
You can, must, and should vote your conscience for the America you want to live in.
Karen Fulton
Maryville
