Election

Vote like democracy depends on it

I write in celebration of one of America’s most patriotic organizations — the League of Women Voters (LWV). The LWV is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government through registering voters, providing voter information (including candidate forums), boosting voter turnout, and advocating for voting rights.

Although the League is non-partisan, it does promote policy positions consistent with our country’s founding tenets of equality, liberty, and justice for all — including campaign finance reform, women’s rights, healthcare for all, affordable housing, living wage, and gun control. These policies echo the core values of democracy and point optimistically forward toward our country forming a more perfect union.

I applaud the League of Women Voters for its century-old mission to inform and engage voters, www.lwvdeschutes.org.

My League of Women Voters yard sign reads: “Vote Like Democracy Depends On It — (It does.)” This affirms to me that the LWV shares my life-long assumption that “We The People” collectively believe that democracy is worth participating in and defending. I encourage every citizen to follow the League’s advice: “GO VOTE — THE POWER IS IN YOUR HANDS! This November, VOTE like YOUR rights and future depend on it! “

Our vote is our voice in shaping and preserving our freedoms. Voting is a profound privilege and an empowering responsibility. And to vote defines our very democracy: government of, by, and for the people.

Thank you for voting. Thank you for your patriotism.

— Jim Likowski, Bend

Why no endorsements?

It is concerning that The Bulletin ownership group is not endorsing candidates in the November election. Whether you meant it this way or not, one conclusion that can be drawn from this decision is that you don’t care who wins in November. So, I have to ask: is it The Bulletin’s editorial position that there is no difference between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and it wouldn’t matter which of them is elected?

— Michael Funke, Bend

Christian principles and the U.S.

I appreciate that The Bulletin provides space for diverse community viewpoints, and I’m particularly glad that the Sept. 26 piece, “Vote for Republicans in Central Oregon,” was printed. It opens the door to a necessary discussion. However, I find some of the author’s statements contradictory. They claim, “The right wants all to prosper and live the American Dream,” but also assert that this country is founded on “Christian principles” and that our forefathers created a republic “under God.” So, is the “American Dream” only for those who adhere to Christian values and believe in God? Does it exclude others? The same Christian values that seem to prioritize assault rifles over the lives lost at Sandy Hook and Uvalde? That’s not my dream — no thanks.

Additionally, if readers take note of the article on Measure 118, they might wonder how such a misguided proposal could even become law. Sitting in the political center has become an exhausting exercise in eye-rolling, as both extremes continue to stamp their rigid views on society.

Had Measure 118 been thoroughly thought through, it would be clear that it accomplishes little and might actually deter businesses from coming to Oregon. Likewise, if the right were less self-righteous and more open, perhaps they’d attract more voters. But as long as both sides continue to pull society in opposite directions, the rest of us are left watching and waiting.

— Rich Nasser, Bend

Propaganda on the page

Recently The Bulletin ran a column on its editorial page by Amanda Bennett identifying China as “the most formidable…of all the globe’s information warriors.” Ms. Bennett is the former director of the Voice of America (VOA) and current CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA and other U.S. government broadcasting organizations, including the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Radio Free Europe, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. So, she probably knows a lot about foreign propaganda, including China’s. When assessing information, it is always important to understand its sources and their motives. Take, for instance, Bennett’s Bulletin column. Between 1948 and 2012, she would have been prohibited from publishing her piece in the United States. That’s because in 1948 Congress passed the Smith-Mundt Act, which contained a provision to protect the American public from government propaganda by prohibiting the Voice of America and other U.S. government networks from broadcasting in the United States. However, in 2012, Barack Obama modified the Smith-Mundt Act to allow U.S. government broadcasters to aim their agendas inward at a domestic audience. Regardless of whether you interpret that as a good or bad thing, savvy news consumers should understand it’s happening, including in the pages of The Bulletin.

— Matt Orr, Bend

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