To the editor:
Today, we are hearing this from both the Republican and Democrats in our divided country. How can both sides claim to be defending democracy when they are saying opposite things?
What is bothering me the most is Project 2025 that is now emerging as the new Republican plan for the country. Even though Donald Trump claims to know nothing about it, it is a worrisome document.
Specifically, it gives the president unprecedented power, which the Supreme Court has already handed to him with its decision on presidential immunity.
It purges the federal workforce of seasoned employees.
It would allow government offices and federal law enforcement to be turned against U.S. citizens by having the Department of Justice report to the president. It seeks to replace our democracy with a system run by Christian Nationalists. What will this do to our constitutionally guaranteed right of freedom of religion?
It would force work requirements for people who receive public assistance and create more barriers to eligibility. This may include our Social Security benefits.
It would criminalize abortion nationwide (although they would call it fetal personhood). They want to take away a woman’s choice about having a child while offering nothing to support women’s and children’s health and well-being.
It diminishes the Department of Education and would take away money from public schools and provide funding for private, religious schools.
It dismantles privacy and freedom for minority groups such as the LGBTQ and punishes institutions that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
It plans to deport millions of immigrants and allows law enforcement to racially profile and require states to share information with federal authorities.
This Project 2025 would change many of the rights, privileges and customs we value in our country.
This election is a big test for our democracy. This is OUR time to defend democracy. Your vote is important. We are making history.
Debra Duxbury
Ware Lane