Letters: Character in a candidate is what matters

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the elections that take place in four weeks. I’ve always voted, but for years I didn’t think it mattered who won. Although the winners came from different parties with slightly different policies, once in power most of them saw what needed to be done for the good of the country and adjusted their thinking and actions accordingly.

After the 2016 election, I began to question that assumption. Many of the new president’s cabinet choices seemed alarmingly inappropriate. Over the next four years, I watched our country’s leader cozy up to dictators, ridicule military service, ignore the advice of scientists, and surround himself with people whose main qualifications were unquestioned loyalty to him and his whims. Western Europe looked on in shock and dismay. He lost the 2020 election and then encouraged a disgraceful attack on members of Congress in an attempt to stay in power. Now he’s back, with his lies, divisive rhetoric and empty showmanship. And if the polls are correct, about half of America is buying it.

I no longer look at party affiliation or promises made while campaigning as I choose who gets my vote. First of all I look at character. Do these candidates appear to have strong moral compasses? Do they seem to appreciate the truth, even if it is unpleasant? Do they come across as comfortable surrounding themselves with experts and listening to their advice? I even see if they can have a civil debate, without rants and name-calling. These are qualities that great leaders share.

Then I look at past actions. The two candidates running for office today couldn’t be more different. You have a lifetime of public service and a strong desire to do the greatest good for the greatest number of Americans. The other has a history of failed businesses and bankruptcies, sexual improprieties, a need to be the center of attention, and a desire to take revenge on anyone who crosses him. Why is there even a question about who we should vote for?

Our country and its future seem to be in danger. Voters should spend a lot of time in the coming weeks thinking about what they want to leave behind for their children and grandchildren, and vote accordingly.

–Carolyn B. Parsons, Bainbridge Island, Washington

Failure to fulfill his oath

Despite the frustrations and challenges we face today, I still believe in the promise of America – the idea that when we stand up for what’s right, have tough conversations, and make our voices heard through peaceful, democratic means, we become leaders can choose who will move. us ahead of the most critical issues.

While policy differences are important, they must come second to a leader’s integrity, honor, and unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution.

I challenge anyone to read Special Counsel Jack Smith’s 165-page dossier and explain how Donald Trump has lived up to his oath of office. I really want to understand it, but what I’ve seen tells a different story. Beyond superficial claims like “election interference” or “an attack on political opponents,” which seem more like deflections than valid arguments, I have yet to hear a compelling argument as to why he is fit to serve.

Our founders foresaw the danger that a leader would use popularity to weaponize public anger against democracy. That is why the 14th Amendment prohibits anyone who engages in insurrection from holding office, and the 25th Amendment gives a cabinet the power to remove a president who is unfit for office.

Yet neither the Supreme Court, the Senate, nor Trump’s Cabinet have used these tools — the 14th or 25th Amendment or impeachment — to hold him accountable.

When asked what kind of government we had, Ben Franklin famously said, “A republic, if you can keep it.” It’s now up to voters to make sure we do that.

– Michael A. Baugh, Rock Island, Illinois

Thoughts from a World War II veteran

I am an American. I am 98 years old. I am a veteran of World War II, as are my three deceased older brothers. We were the sons of immigrants.

Recently, in my study guide for the Old Testament of the Bible, I was asked, “How is your faith commitment a continuation of an important tradition?” To me, these are sacred traditions in our secular world: our national anthem; “The Star-Spangled Flag”; the Constitution of the United States; the U.S. Capitol, the soul of our nation; the graves of our deceased military heroes; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and our war memorials; the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest honor; my oath of enlistment in the Navy; and the Pledge of Allegiance.

When my late wife and I visited the Capitol in 2004, I felt a sense of connection and reverence: this is my country and I am in a sacred place.

If I were in the Navy right now, I would be ready to fight our country’s foreign enemies. I now stand against our domestic enemies – the people who would destroy our republic even as they recite our Pledge of Allegiance.

I am deeply concerned that if Donald Trump is re-elected, more of our national traditions will be in danger of being dishonored or even lost. If Kamala Harris is elected, we will not worry about how she will handle our traditions.

—Peter S. Pierro, Naperville

The debate has made me hopeful

Are my senses deceiving me, or have I seen a civil vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz? My hearing isn’t what it used to be, but I could have sworn I heard them unintentionally agree with each other a few times. There was even whispers – be still my cynical heart – that they will shake hands after the November 5 winners and losers are determined.

I’m reminded of the anti-war slogan from the 1970s: “What if they went to war, but no one came?”

Now we know what happens when someone gives a debate and no one curses.

Will civility catch on in 2024? I’m not that naive. But what if it was?

—Jim Newton, Itasca

Give Larry Hoover a chance

Larry Hoover faces an enormous challenge to be released after 26 years in prison. He is serving life sentences at the state and federal level, the former for murder and the latter for running a criminal enterprise from prison.

As a young man, Hoover was the mastermind behind one of Chicago’s most notorious gangs. When Hoover was imprisoned in 1998, he faced one life sentence on the state charge, and then another life sentence on federal racketeering charges.

But the First Step Act, signed by President Donald Trump in 2018, opened prison doors to inmates who showed rehabilitation while serving long, often life sentences.

Hoover should be given the opportunity to demonstrate his rehabilitation, making him eligible for release from federal prison without regard to the heinousness of his crimes. Considering his crimes simply amounts to endless revenge, which serves no purpose in the criminal justice system.

Hoover’s federal prison cell should be reserved for a criminal who poses an immediate and serious danger to society. Hoover, who is 73, frail and acting in a positive manner, may be eligible for freedom under the First Step Act.

If so, the second step would be for Governor JB Pritzker to extend the same compassion to Hoover at his state sentencing. This would also serve the true purpose of the criminal justice system: to spend our criminal justice tax dollars wisely to protect the public.

-Walt Zlotow, West Suburban Peace Coalition, Glen Ellyn

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