Years ago, people would say “I can’t tell the difference between a Republican and a Democrat.” Elections then were about one candidate versus another, each trying hard to separate from the other. Not anymore. The 2024 election is equal parts about candidate vs. candidate, and, what each candidate’s party stands for and supports.

One of those parties supports insurrectionists, denies climate change, and creates tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. They pose as friends of the working man, supporters of law enforcement and of free speech. Yet they ban books, oppose unions, minimum wage hikes and social security, and leave the Capitol Police to fend for themselves. They pass laws that force abused children and women victimized by rape to give birth, ignoring maternal health risks. The “females,” especially the childless ones, (see JD Vance) are the least important variable, always.

This same party denigrates service members of the US military and aggressively seeks to limit voting rights, admitting a thinly-veiled attempt to help win elections. They have a documented history of dehumanizing women, immigrants, foreigners, LBGTQ people and anybody Black. Their interest is not in governing responsibly, (check the record of this term’s House of Representatives) but in advancing culture and religious wars with the enemy: any American citizen who disagrees with their views. Destroying democracy is more important than honoring the Constitution. Their interest is not in the truth, as the truth cannot always scare people sufficiently. So, fear is generated with made-up lies that are repeated over and over, terrorizing the citizenry into voting their will.

The other party believes in none of these things, and, although not a zero-defect organization, is in fact, the polar opposite.

It is important in these times to consider both who you vote for and what you are voting for.

Steve Chappuis

Port Townsend