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To the Editor,
I am a lifelong subscriber of this publication. I rely on this paper for local and national news, daily happenings, to keep updated on sports, and to see who died so I can offer my sympathy. In the 50 plus years as a loyal subscriber, I have never been motivated to send a letter to the editor. However, last week's letter struck a nerve. The person stated, "anybody dumb enough to continue voting Democrat after the embarrassing... isn't worth wasting my time."
I pride myself on having friends from all political parties. They offer different perspectives on issues, think critically, and, most importantly, have good stories and jokes that keep me laughing. None of my Republican friends or family members have ever called me dumb because I voted Democrat. I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I don't appreciate an attack on my intelligence because of my vote.
In 2016, Republicans promised to:
Repeal and replace Obamacare
Build a wall and require Mexico to pay for it
Give major tax cuts to the wealthiest 1%
"Lock HER up"
Admittedly, I did not vote for that party's leader because none of those issues would ensure the improvement of my life and the lives of the generations after me. From that list, one was accomplished, and I don't know many people in Weirton who benefited from the tax cut to the wealthiest Americans.
In 2020, I voted Democrat because Biden promised to:
Release money to support businesses affected by Covid
Release funding to improve our failing infrastructure
Lower prescription costs
Lower our reliance on China for computer chips by building plants in the US
Provide student debt relief
Support families and children with childcare
Create a national parental leave policy
Admittedly, I did vote for those issues because most would ensure the improvement of my life and the lives of the generations after me. From this list, most have been accomplished, and I know many people in Weirton who will benefit.
"Nobody cares what happened on January 6th." Well, I do. That was a threat to our democracy and exactly how authoritarian governments behave. Now, anytime somebody loses, they can rally and say the system was rigged? Maybe the Pittsburgh Pirates should try that. I'd love to see them win the World Series for once.
I encourage anyone who has read this far to watch the Ken Burns special on the US and the Holocaust. In 1938, Charles Lindberg said the US shouldn't help the European Nations because Hitler was a good man, and Germany wouldn't take over Europe. If we don't stand up to authoritarian regimes now, we will soon become one. Then, none of our votes will matter. And we will all be, as the previous writer expressed, "dumb,"... no matter our party affiliations. November 8 will be here soon, so put on your hat and coat, and get out and VOTE – it will be "worth wasting your time!"
Jerry Angelo
Weirton