Dedicated to my grandkids and yours
See Disclaimer.
Why do I vote? Why do I care that others vote, too?
Because both my wife and I lived once under (different) dictatorships. Because, in democracy, every voice (and vote) counts (think Iowa!). Because once lost, democracy is terribly difficult to recover. And because I owe it to my young grandkids to speak and vote on their behalf—in defense of principles, democracy, and the next generations’ right to a sustainable Earth.
In an election as consequential as this one, where democracy (the very soul of America!) is at stake, sitting idle is not an option for me. Even if I lean independent and would prefer a multi-party system, I realize that this election is, first and foremost, about preserving democracy and ensuring responsible governance.
My assessment is that only Harris offers an unwavering defense of democratic principles and commitment to the US Constitution. With Trump, our democracy and freedom of press would be in unprecedented jeopardy.
My assessment is also that only Harris brings a commitment to an inclusive government for and by all People. A government that thinks about the economy strategically and with the expansion of the middle-class front and center. A government respectful and protective of Americans regardless of gender, political preference, or other distinguishing factors. A government that addresses the existential crises of climate change and disinformation with a sense of urgency and thoughtful responsibility.
Trump is unfit for office, in all the above and virtually any other regard. He has been so for long, and has boastfully demonstrated his unfitness by words and actions, time and again.
If you are disillusioned with US politics, or sickened by man-made humanitarian crises, you are not alone. Still, please vote. While there are no perfect candidates, this year’s choice is clear and existential: Harris is hope, Trump is darkness.
— Antonio Baptista
PS: Please consider reading these related Outside the Box articles, listed in the order their links appear in the text (with stars denoting suggested priority readings):
- What will we leave our grandkids?, Nov 2023
- Outside the Box: About and Disclaimer, 2017
- Why Democrats should advocate a multi-party system, Apr 2020
- Democracy dies in darkness, Oct 2024
- The economic case for Harris and against Trump, Oct 2024 *
- The climate case against Trump and for Harris, Oct 2024 *
- Letters to an unfit president, Aug 2020
- Open letter to a Republican congressman, Jan 2018
- Climate, lies, and unfitness for office, Oct 2024
- On the fence? Protesting? Considering abstention?, Nov 2024 *
- The case for Kamala Harris, Sep 2024 *
Outside the box 
1 Comment