The Green Party presidential candidate, Jill Stein, seems to share many of my beliefs about the importance of living sustainably. However, I worry that her candidacy might be a real “spoiler,” like that of Ralph Nader in 2000.
Recently, I heard her interviewed on public television’s The News Hour. Stein did not distinguish herself, except, perhaps, to show how unqualified she is to be president.
When asked about how she might finance her proposed “green” program, Stein claimed that there would be no need to raise additional funds. She said once Congress enacts her more stringent carbon emissions policy and other initiatives to clean up the environment, people will be so much healthier that we will save on health care costs. If it could only be so simple.
When she was asked the “spoiler” question, Stein responded that, in fact, the majority of people supporting Donald Trump are doing so because they dislike Hillary Clinton. (Has Stein tuned in at all to what Trump supporters are saying about why they are in his camp?) She claimed that, historically, Trump and Clinton are the most unpopular candidates, so she wouldn’t be spoiling anything. In fact, many presidential candidates have been deeply disliked and distrusted.
What distinguishes this election is that we are now in the electronic age, wherein tweets, texts, blitzes and Youtube videos permit anyone connected to the web to have almost instantaneous knowledge about every move a candidate makes. Every ugly rumor, every outrageous lie, is broadcast around the world. Communication has become one big, salacious stew.
Jill Stein has a wonderful focus on environmental protection. Like Sen. Bernie Sanders, she should step away from the presidential race and work toward the election of Hillary Clinton, and then assert influence in the area in which she has expertise.
Judy McCarthyGrantham
The Valley News reported on Aug. 25 that “Scientists Spot Earth-Like Planet Orbiting in Nearest Solar System.” Let’s hope the same thing doesn’t happen there that happened here many years ago when we harmed indigenous people, and even today when we see people whose skin color is different from ours.
Too often we forget the horrendous things we did to people because they were different from us. We called them “savages,” but they were smarter than us and knew more about taking care of the land, which we destroyed.
Let us be known for “taking care of something.”
Charly RauscherWindsor
Columnist Rakha Babu wrote (“When Truth Gets Twisted, Voters Lose,” Aug. 25), that Donald Trump’s popularity among his supporters is because “he tells it like it is.” Unfortunately, they have misunderstood his proclivity to be impulsive as that of being candid. This makes him a dangerous candidate for the presidency.
Deborah Metzger Hanover
The recent debate between Phil Scott and Sue Minter was very telling about the future of Vermont. There was much talk of fixing the economy from both sides, but the reasons, methods and priorities were polar opposites.
Phil Scott understands that making Vermont more business-friendly and encouraging growth of jobs is the top priority. Until the state is prosperous again, there will be increasing social issues and needs. By following the current legislative agenda of raising taxes and fees, the problems will only become worse. He has talked with and worked alongside businesses and employees. He knows firsthand the difficulty that the irresponsible Legislature has imposed on many small businesses.
Vermont cannot spend its way out of a hole. Sue Minter, on the other hand, can only see raising taxes and fees such as on large out-of-state banks doing business in Vermont. How quickly will those banks decide to take their business elsewhere? She talked about expanding programs first and helping the economy second.
We the voters can determine our state’s future in November. Do we want more debt and uncertainty or a strong economy and growth? I obviously have a lot of faith in Phil Scott and our Republican candidates to get us on the right track. They have my vote and I hope they have yours, too.
Mary DalyFairlee
The writer is the Orange County Republican Party Chair.