Listen to this note:
Donald Trump has been convicted in a court of law. Despite this historic conviction, there remains an overwhelming likelihood that he will be on the ballot for voters to elect in November 2024.
I, like many other voters, am not particularly enthusiastic about voting for Biden again as president. But I will still vote, and I will vote for Biden.
It is true that Biden is an established politician who has been part of the system for years. There are still many problems affecting the country. It is reasonable to have doubts about Biden's effectiveness and ability to invoke change.
However, rapid-scale change can often have unintended consequences that can leave things worse than they were before. Change also requires local and community efforts. As much as Biden is blamed for not fixing everything right now, the reality is that it is not that simple.
But regardless of our reservations about Biden or our desire for faster change, one thing is clear. Voting for Donald Trump will be a step backwards.
Trump has attacked the system, and while it is true that the system is not perfect, it is the best we have. Shattering the legitimacy of the system is not a solution. Our current system has been improved by addressing and improving upon its flaws, not by tearing it down.
Trump's main strategy is to establish a narrative of fear: fear about the economy, about drugs, about people, about the government itself. History has shown us that this is a strategy of demagogues - political power seekers who want to scare people into being elected rather than trying to make improvements and address problems.
You may be concerned about the economy, or crime, or the environment. But the most important thing is to be informed, make decisions based on facts rather than fear, and vote accordingly.
You may not agree with any of the candidates. But in our democracy, your voice counts. One of these candidates will be our next president.
The responsibility to vote is a consequence of living in this society, where the effects of the election will occur. The opportunity to vote is the opportunity to make your voice heard.
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