Barry De Jasu: Holding nose and voting for Harris

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a service at the Church of Christian Compassion, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Philadelphia.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a service at the Church of Christian Compassion, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. AP PHOTO/SUSAN WALSH

Published: 10-30-2024 4:24 PM

Firstly, let me state that I will hold my nose and vote for candidate Kamala Harris, as the alternative is just too horrible to entertain. But as we get nearer I question more and more the wisdom and vision of Harris and the mainstream Dems. In this the most consequential election in a century, certain very worrisome elephants have filled the room.

Why is Harris forsaking the progressive part of the party while instead chasing Republicans; supporting Israel regardless of just how outrageous and callous its policies and actions are, and finally, walking away from just how dire the world’s environmental climate emergency is.

Once again I must stress that a Republican victory will make everything horrific and callous. A Republican victory will be the end of any hope of democracy and freedom. But the policies chosen at this moment could and may well help decide whether we continue as a democratic country or plunge into a very dark fascism from which we may never recover.

My hope is that in the days before the election, VP Harris will see the folly of her current too-pragmatic choices and instead find her heart. The election in Michigan is very much in question because of her Gaza stand. Young and old are so very concerned with the future of life on our planet. It is time for wisdom and heart. Pragmatism loses the Democrats too many elections, as well as their ideals.

Barry De Jasu

Montague