Research, then vote

My heart hurts. It is very difficult to watch the current political process, even harder to watch as events unfold for both political parties. I keep thinking “It can’t get any worse!” But then, I watch the news, and it does. Or, I talk with someone who won’t vote because they don’t like either candidate. I am dumbfounded.

After Trump’s convention speech, President Obama said, “We’re not going to make good decisions based on fears that don’t have a basis in fact.” You should fact check the statements made by Trump and Clinton. Do your due diligence. Know the facts. Vote based on the facts.

Trump won’t change if elected. In our history, we have seen what happens when fear and racism rule our country’s decisions. Let us not repeat such horrific mistakes of the past. We are better than this.

If you don’t vote, you have by omission approved of Trump and all that he is. By not voting, you have declared his fear mongering is acceptable to you.

You don’t like Clinton? Fine. But don’t rely on heavily edited sound bites to shove her aside. Research, read and listen for yourself. Then, vote.

Dan Kobe-Smith

Spokane