Where is the Democratic vision? Voters Demand Clarityโค on key Issues
By Roc Ordman, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry, Beloit College
Asโฃ we approach the upcoming midterm elections, a troubling question lingers: where is the Democratic message? While the Republican platformโ appears sharply defined,โ a sense of uncertainty surrounds the vision offered by their counterparts. As a concerned citizen, I’m outlining three critical issuesโ that will heavily influence my vote – and should be central to โtheโค Democratic agenda.
The Urgent Reality of Climate Change
The science is undeniable: our planet โคis warming, โand โฃthe consequences are escalating. From devastating hurricanes and prolonged droughts to catastrophic floods and the recent choking โฃsmoke from Canadian wildfires,the effects โof climate change are no longer โdistant threats – they are present realities.
Investing in renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal isn’t just environmentally responsible; it’s โคeconomically sound. These technologies are becoming increasingly cheaper and offer a pathwayโ to a healthier,more enduring future. Weโฃ need โฃleaders who understand this urgency and aren’t afraid to embrace progress, not those who dismiss the dangers or fear the advancements of clean energy.
Healthcare: A Right, Not a Privilege
The soaring cost of healthcare in the United States is a crisis. โCurrently averaging โฃ$14,570 โper person annually – as โขreported recently by the Rockford Register Star – medical expenses are โincreasingโ at three times the rate of inflation. This unsustainable trend leaves millions uninsured or underinsured, delaying preventative care until emergencies force them intoโ a systemโฃ already strained by unpaid bills.
Expanding access to affordable healthcare through programsโค like Medicare and Medicaid isn’t simply a matter of compassion; it’s a matter of โฃeconomic stability and public health. We need elected officials committed to ensuring healthcare for all, thereby reducing overall costs andโค improving the well-being of ourโ communities.
Investing in Education: The Foundation of a Strong Society
Perhaps the most effective strategy โforโฃ reducing crime and fostering โaโ thriving society is investing in education. Illinois stands asโ a model for its commitment to accessible education, including post-high โschool opportunities.
A well-educated โpopulace is less susceptible to deceptive โrhetoric and more likely to engage in productive work, build self-esteem, and contribute positively to society. By prioritizing education,we empower individuals โto secure well-paying jobs and reduce the likelihood of resorting toโ crime.
As voters prepare to head to the polls, I urge them to demand clarity from their candidatesโ on these crucial โissues. Look beyond the superficial claims
