by Bev Dugan

T

his year, I am voting for Democratic candidates who are committed to freedom, economic opportunity, and fairness for all. Three overriding reasons stand out for me.

* Our Democratic candidates have the requisite skills, experience, and connection to the people they serve to represent us well. For example, Mo Green, candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, is an attorney and former superintendent of Guilford County Schools, one of the largest districts in NC. Greene’s opponent has never had a child in public schools and characterizes them as “indoctrination centers.” Nothing in her background indicates she has the skills to manage a $12 billion budget.

* The dystopian view of America espoused by many Republicans drives false rhetoric that puts people in danger. For example, after killing the bipartisan immigration bill in Congress, Trump, Vance, and their allies lied about the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. The resulting threats of violence have led to school closings and hospitals on lockdown. The immigrants attacked are in the country legally. They have jobs, own property, and pay taxes. Similar situations are playing out in other small towns in the sights of these candidates. Why would we want to vote for lies that hurt people?

* Disrespect for women is putting them in danger. For example, NC’s Republican candidate for governor claims women get pregnant because they “weren’t responsible enough to keep their skirts down.” Meanwhile, the number of women who suffer severe reproductive health outcomes, even death, because of abortion restrictions is just beginning to come to light, as recently reported in Georgia.

In this election, I am voting for a vision of America that embraces truth, individual freedom, shared values, and a safer, cleaner, more prosperous America for future generations. It is time to leave hate and divisiveness behind.

Beverly Dugan is a retired organizational psychologist and leadership coach and a volunteer with the Chatham County Democratic Party.