To the Editor,

I’m writing to share these quotes from three great Americans. Their words of wisdom seem especially pertinent to the upcoming presidential election.

1. “A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority.” Booker T. Washington

2. “You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of many by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.” Abraham Lincoln

3. “The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground. I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have. My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.” Thomas Jefferson

I believe these opinions have value, remain relevant and directly apply to the political environment today.

If you are an undecided voter, do your research by finding reliable resources. Don’t believe everything you see and hear and read. The truth can be hard to find in today’s barrage of news opinions and social media postings.

Make serious room for thought on major issues, remembering that elections have consequences.

Thank you,

Jean Lein

Perham,