We witnessed the testimony of the special counsel before some members of the U.S. Congress. 

The newspaper today reveals that the president favors restricting automatic enrollment in the food stamp program. Preparations are being made, to place restrictions on those seeking asylum. The administration is also reviewing a long-established policy. The government is poised to consider returning the undocumented mother of an active-duty service person to her home country during the son’s deployment. 

My thoughts often return to the words of Michelle Obama following the last presidential election. “This is what it feels like to live without hope.” No more true words were ever spoken. 

I observed recent interviews by those who cast votes in the last presidential election. They were asked if they intended to cast the same vote in the 2020 election. Their answer was astounding. They both said yes because they were doing well financially, and they felt that was the only important concern. 

Where is the moral compass of the American citizen? Does he only value what impacts his own life? Are any Americans concerned about the continuing assault on our democracy? Does our standing in the world matter? Do we become inured to the constant lies, manipulations, and controversy? I was reared to believe that morality mattered. Do what benefits others rather than yourself. One is given time and talent to help those who are less fortunate.  

Finally, I was taught to live a life of integrity and to choose friends who share those values. I am seventy-four years old. Even in the darkest times of my lifetime, I cannot remember ever feeling a lack of positivity about the future few years. We are not even able to depend upon the majority of those elected officials in Washington D.C. to exhibit courage in the face of blatant instability, racism, white supremacy and pathological lying. 

Leaders must never be chosen for all of the wrong reasons, especially when the established-history of a candidate is so revealing. There are horrors related to this administration; babies, young children and adults in cages at the border; our diminishing environment; the elimination of regulations which protect the public. There are too many other horrors to recount.  

Our only hope is that every citizen values the opportunity to vote in the 2020 election. That vote makes the difference between the protection of our democracy and several more years of the absence of leadership, morality, integrity, intelligence and decency. I value the right to vote. Any failure to vote generates the continuation of what has the potential to ruin this nation. 

Beverly Ann Kaply lives in Dresden.