To the Editor,

Major outtakes of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committees (DNC) conventions were the tone and attitudes resulting. First, The RNC was rife with the terrible shape our country is in and how they could fix it quickly by sending millions of undocumented workers back home, further lowering taxes on the rich, reducing social security, health care, and food assistance programs to name a few. They would also reduce support for our allies while caving in to our enemies in Russia, China, and North Korea. 

On the other hand, the DNC emerged with the joy of living in this wonderful country along with hope the policies put forth would continue to raise the living standards for the working class and those unable to provide for themselves and families without some level of government support. No comparison in which direction we must take to preserve our Democracy and way of life so many have sacrificed for in our history. 

Yet, the polls still show strength for returning government back to the darkness of ages past. A couple issues stand out.  The unconscionable repeal of women’s right to choose across all states is witness enough to the sheer meanness of their governing plans. Add that to the ignorance of deporting millions of undocumented residents we need to do jobs our affluent population neither won’t nor have the skills to do. 

As bad as domestic policies are, the threat to national security is equally concerning. The world is now being torn apart with conflicts among nations notably Russia/Ukraine and Israel/GAZA. The parties have different strategies to define our role in world peace and national security. The Biden/Harris team has worked within our alliances to ensure a united and timely response to threats. In contrast, MAGA Republicans acted independently and played politics with delays and cutbacks in monetary and weaponry support for NATO and Ukraine. The latest months long delays cost Ukraine thousands of lives, weaponry and loss of territorial advantage. 

The Heritage foundation’s Project 2025 is the closest document we have to predict what another Trump presidency and MAGA controlled congress would do to our democracy, economy, and everyone below the elite money class. The choice should be obvious. Voting MAGA Republican is doom and gloom. Voting Democrat is Joy and Hope but whichever way the vote goes we’ll all end up riding in the same boat.  

Lee Purrier,

Park Rapidss