In the November 4 election, Tammy Baldwin’s political affiliation and re-election

Editor’s note: Oct. 25 is the deadline for letters to the editor regarding the Nov. 5 election.

Here are this week’s letters to the editor Herald Times Reporter. See our letters policy below for details on how to share your views.

Political affiliation should not dictate your vote

Democrats, there is a growing misconception within the party — that loyalty to the Democratic ticket equates to unwavering support for every candidate, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Democratic Party has undergone a significant transformation over the past 60 years, moving away from its core principles of free speech and individual liberties.

In the past, Democrats supported the rights of all citizens to express their views, even when those views diverged from the mainstream.

Today, however, there seems to be a worrying tendency to silence dissenting opinions, which contradicts the very essence of democracy.

It is essential to recognize that voting for a candidate like Donald Trump does not make him a traitor to the democratic cause; rather, it can be seen as an act of patriotism.

Many Democrats are disillusioned with the party’s current direction and are looking for alternatives that align more closely with their values.

We must embrace the idea that political affiliation should not dictate our choices at the ballot box. True democracy thrives on diverse perspectives and open dialogue.

Democrats should encourage thoughtful debate and respect the decisions of those who choose to vote differently, rather than ostracize them.

In this evolving political landscape, let us remember that our commitment to freedom and individual choice should remain paramount.

Bethany Davis

Mishikot

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We all want the same things

As we approach the November election, it’s clear that most of us want the same things.

We all want good jobs that pay enough to support our families. We all want affordable food and housing. We all want affordable health care. We all want good, violence-free schools that prepare our children well for college or the workplace. And we all see the need for common sense immigration policy that takes into account both human and economic factors.

Republicans and Democrats share these goals, even if we disagree on how to get there. Neither political party will get everything it wants; the path to progress lies somewhere in the middle.

Our next president will need the cooperation of Congress to do something. As we head to the polls in November, it’s more important than ever to elect leaders who can make the compromises necessary to enact policies and legislation that serve the common good. These leaders must be able to listen to both sides and find a middle ground. They must possess the intellect to understand complex issues and the personal integrity to negotiate in good faith.

Donald Trump has none of these skills. He has shown neither the ability nor even the desire to bring people together to solve problems. His bully style of “Us vs. They” may work in business, but it certainly doesn’t work in an environment where teamwork is required.

Electing Kamala Harris is the only chance we have to turn down the heat and work in a bipartisan way to achieve those common goals that will benefit us all.

Steve Lankton

Manitowoc

What former Republican leaders are saying about Trump

What do the former Republican president and vice president and military leaders know about Donald Trump?

President George W. Bush: Refuses to endorse Donald Trump.

Vice President Dick Cheney: “In the 248-year history of our nation, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump.”

Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley: “He is the most dangerous person for this country now.”

Former Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis: “‘Dangerous,’ ‘inept,’ and ‘criminally stupid.’

Mattis resigned during Trump’s tenure and criticized Trump as a threat to the Constitution.

Former Chief of Staff General John Kelly: “A person who believes that those who defend our country in uniform or are shot down or seriously wounded in battle or spend years being tortured as prisoners of war are all ‘crazy’ because “there is nothing in it for them.” A person who didn’t want to be seen in the presence of military amputees because it “doesn’t look good to me.” A person who showed open contempt for a Gold Star family – for all Gold Star families – on TV during the 2016 campaign and reveals that our most precious heroes who have given their lives in defense of America are “losers” and they would not visit their graves in France. He called Trump a deeply dishonest person who “has no idea what America stands for.”

Army General Barry McCaffrey called Trump “a serious threat to US national security” and criticized his failure to protect US interests from Russia.

Does this tell you anything about how you should vote?

Nancy Lodl

Manitowoc

Harris deflects rather than articulates his own policies, vision

Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris was interviewed on Fox News. Instead of addressing the pressing issues facing our nation, Harris seemed unable to articulate her own policies and vision.

When asked direct questions about her record and plans, she often deflected, resorting to vague statements and, more disturbingly, an incessant focus on former President Donald Trump.

This tendency to pander to Trump rather than engage with the questions being asked reflects a troubling case of what many are calling Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Instead of presenting a clear agenda for the future, Harris seemed more interested in criticizing her predecessor than offering solutions to the challenges facing Americans today.

This approach not only undermines his credibility, but also alienates voters who are looking for constructive dialogue and leadership.

Interviews are an opportunity for candidates to showcase their strengths and connect with the electorate. Unfortunately, Harris’ performance was short-lived, leaving many viewers frustrated and unconvinced of her ability to lead.

Harris seems to have an inability to reflect on her own approach. She had the chance to push for a more constructive and focused dialogue. Instead, she deviated. The American people deserve better.

Jessica Taylor

Francis Creek

On the ballot: Manitowoc County, get ready for the November 5 election. Here’s everything you need to know about the ballot and how to register to vote.

Vote to re-elect Tammy Baldwin

I wholeheartedly support Tammy Baldwin for re-election as US Senator. Her extensive experience in public service, coupled with her middle-class upbringing, uniquely equips her to address the economic challenges facing her constituents.

Tammy’s personal journey—from being raised by her grandparents because of her mother’s struggles with addiction and chronic pain to becoming a graduate of the UW School of Law and serving on the Madison City Council—has shaped her commitment to effective government both at local as well as national level.

Senator Baldwin’s first-hand experience underscores the critical need for quality health care. Battling spinal meningitis as a child, she understands the impact of pre-existing conditions on families. As a representative, she co-sponsored the Affordable Care Act, providing coverage for pre-existing conditions and allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26. He also supported safe opioid legislation for veterans.

Beyond health care, Baldwin tirelessly pursued bipartisan solutions in education, agriculture, and Social Security. The American Promise College Act aims to make higher education accessible on the basis of merit, regardless of socioeconomic status. This legislation proposes a state-federal partnership to provide two years of tuition-free education in community colleges and technical schools.

Our farmers matter to Tammy. It actively supports them through product development, market access and addressing groundwater contamination.

Let’s re-elect Tammy Baldwin — a leader who understands the needs of ordinary citizens and represents everyone. Experience and character count!

Vote for Tammy.

Darlene Wellner

Manitowoc

Our Letter Policy

Letters to the editor are published in the order they are received, and letter writers are limited to having one letter published per month. Letters can be emailed to [email protected] and editor Brandon Reid at [email protected]. Letters must meet specific rules, including not exceeding 250 words and being by local authors or on topics of local interest. All submissions must include the name of the person who wrote the letter, their city of residence and a contact telephone number. Letters are edited as necessary for style, grammar, length, correctness, accuracy, and plagiarism.

This article originally appeared on the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Letters: In the November 4 election, political affiliation and Tammy Baldwin