I have lived in Tennessee for 50 years, in Maryville, Nashville, and now Chattanooga. Having lived here for so long has given me the privilege of knowing two of the people who are currently running to represent us in the United States Congress: Governor Phil Bredesen for the U.S. Senate and Dr. Danielle Mitchell for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 3. I can personally vouch for their records as an honest and effective governor and a dedicated community servant. Both candidates far outshine their opponents in integrity and effectiveness and they have my vote.
However, I am asking you to vote Democrat in the current election for bigger reasons than the resumes of worthy candidates. I’m asking you to vote Democrat across the ballot if:
1) You want to have affordable healthcare available when you need it, at any age;
2) You believe that your hard work should be valued and rewarded;
3) You believe that you and your children depend upon a healthy planet;
4) You value public education;
5) You value the man or woman sitting next to you, regardless of his or her race or ancestry;
6) You don’t really care who someone chooses to love or how they worship as long as they are good people;
These are fundamental rights, human rights, rights of happiness that the writers of the U.S. Constitution guaranteed, and that our forbearers worked for and sometimes, died for. Please do not let these rights be hijacked by people who think that you and I are not worthy of their investment.
Vote Democrat. Early voting goes now through Nov. 1. The general election is Nov. 6. If your friend, neighbor, or co-worker needs a ride to the polls, help him or her get there.
I do not ordinarily advocate for a blanket party line when voting, but this is one time when the balance of power must be shifted back to you, me, and the millions of people who make America truly great. Vote Democrat.
Ruthie Thompson
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Ms. Thompson,
I can only assume that you keep up with current news and events; however, your opinion articles does not show it.
Your statement "Both candidates far outshine their opponents in integrity and effectiveness and they have my vote." is based on what? I'll wager you have no knowledge of their opponents.
Please do not let these rights be hijacked by people who think that you and I are not worthy of their investment. All of the rights you mention are fundamental Conservative Republican rights. Democrats think I am stupid, ignorant, and deplorable.
Finally, your closing argument "I do not ordinarily advocate for a blanket party line when voting, but this is one time when the balance of power must be shifted back to you, me, and the millions of people who make America truly great." is totally lame and shows a true lack of knowledge of current events. Trump is MAGA (Making America Great Again) by undoing prior Obama policies and constant attacks by billionaires such as Sorus, Meyer, and Bloomberg.
I'll pass on your balance of power shift.
Jack Varner