
As I was finalizing the last bits of the next campaign newsletter, the news broke of the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. I was an elementary school child when President Kennedy was assassinated. I was in college when President Reagan was shot. There were more assassinations and attempts in between.
We’ve heard from so many about how violence has no place in a democracy. Differences, we are reminded, are sorted out at the ballot box. These are true statements; there is no argument here. And yet, they are insufficient. I think we have to add the following.
We don’t have to live in a society where someone can shoot a rifle from a grassy knoll, street corner, or rooftop and murder or attempt to murder a President or former President. The fact that we do is a policy choice, one sanctified by a majority of voters at the ballot box. It does not reflect the view of a majority of Arizonans or of most Americans. It reflects only the views of the majority of those who show up to vote – in Arizona and the United States.
This election, from the State House to the White House, is about many issues that are equally impactful.
- Will women have the liberty to choose their own reproductive health care, including abortion? One party is a passionate advocate for that answer to be an emphatic “Yes!” The other party is not.
- Will children have access to a quality public education that will allow them to live the life they choose? One party is a passionate advocate for that answer to be an emphatic “Yes!” The other party is not.
- Will we acknowledge that housing is a human right and that being unhoused is not a crime? One party is a passionate advocate for that answer to be an emphatic “Yes!” The other party is not.
- Will we create a new pro-worker heritage in this state to unleash economic growth and shared prosperity? One party is a passionate advocate for that answer to be an emphatic “Yes!” The other party is not.
- Will we make our neighborhoods safe by rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the community and investing in crime prevention? One party is a passionate advocate for that answer to be an emphatic “Yes!” The other party is not.
- Will we continue to support the social safety network, including Social Security and Medicare, where workers might retire without worry? One party is a passionate advocate for that answer to be an emphatic “Yes!” The other party is not.
- Will we modernize an antiquated immigration system to serve the interests of employers, immigrants, communities, and law enforcement? One party is a passionate advocate for that answer to be an emphatic “Yes!” The other party is not.
- Will we embrace the transition to a clean energy future, including solar energy, and bring the climate back in balance? One party is a passionate advocate for that answer to be an emphatic “Yes!” The other party is not.
- Will voters have the freedom and self-determination to vote in elections that are free and fair, safe and secure? One party is a passionate advocate for that answer to be an emphatic “Yes!” The other party is not.
My answer, like that of the Democratic Party, to all these questions is an emphatic “Yes!”
So, as you think about the events of this past weekend and the past eight years, consider your own values. Where do you align on these issues? It’s not about political party labels. It is about the values those political parties embrace. So, regardless of your party affiliation (or lack of party affiliation), make a commitment to vote for your values. Or live under the tyranny of those who do vote but do not share your values.
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