We’ve Got Issues
Dear Leading Ladies,
Most of us know who will get our vote in the presidential election, and, therefore, whose campaign we may contribute to. But what about the down ballot? Particularly in other states.
Beyond the presidency, the majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate hang in the balance. Moreover, the future of many issues is at stake.
November is getting close
We thought it was worth making a list of those issues to help give us all a “cheat sheet” of what could be critically affected in November. Each of us can wield some power if we take the time to consider how we feel about these important matters and then make some kinds of commitments based on those beliefs. For some of us, our action may amount to expressing our informed points of view to others; for some it may mean giving money to organizations that support the sides of the causes we choose; for still others, it will mean giving money to out-of-state candidates who will further the causes we believe in. And, for some of us, it will mean all of the above.
Source: 270towin.com. Check out the ’24 Presidential Election Interactive Map here.
Consider the issues
First step is to think about these issues and how we might like to support our beliefs.
Reproductive rights: Should women have access to abortion? Should there be limits depending on the stage of pregnancy or the age of the pregnant person or whether the pregnancy was caused by rape or endangers the life of the mother? Do we support access to both medical and surgical abortions?
Curricula: Should students in school be taught the full story about slavery, both in the South and North? About cIvil rights? Anti-semitism? Gender identity? LGBTQ+ issues?
LGBTQ+ rights: Do LGBTQ+ people deserve equal rights? To be treated without discrimination in our schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces? Should transgender athletes be allowed to play on the teams of their identifying gender? Called by the name they prefer?
Immigration policies: Should our borders be closed to certain groups of people? If so, who? And how? What should be the road to citizenship? Should undocumented residents be able to have drivers’ licenses or get financial support from state and federal agencies? If so, under what conditions?
Affordable housing: Are all residents entitled to affordable housing? Should the local, state, and federal governments be involved in building and providing affordable options for working families?
Free tuition: Should there be free tuition to our community colleges? State colleges and universities? Or sliding scales that accommodate the needs of all applicants?
Aid to Ukraine: What should the US do?
Aid to Palestinians: What should the US do?
Aid to Israel: What should the US do?
Commitment to NATO: What should the US position be vis-a-vis NATO?
Broader rights to vote for felons and others: Should there be more leniency for incarcerated individuals to vote and for those released to be automatically registered to vote (as is true in a small minority of states)?
Gun control laws: Do we need stricter gun control laws or not? Background checks? A ban on assault weapons and large magazines? Or is the problem the people who own guns, and not the guns at all.
Taxes on the rich: Should the richest among us pay more taxes to help offset the problems of food and housing insecurity in our country?
Prescription drug and medical costs: Are the price of medicine and health care out of sight or just fine for those who work hard and can pay their bills?
Climate change and the environment: Should our state and federal governments be doing more to control emission of dangerous gasses; regulate businesses and individuals in terms of pollution of air and water; protect our biodiversity; and be proactive about the threats to our environment?
Who stands for what?
Let’s be clear. There are many candidates on each side of these issues, and some Democrats as well as Republicans who hold surprising attitudes. We owe it to ourselves to find out who they are and who most strongly represent our beliefs and need support/funds to win their races.
Force Multiplier has identified Democratic candidates running in close contests and provided biographies with the candidates’ stands on various issues. To read about those Democrats running for the Senate, click here. To read about those running for the House, click here. Although we couldn’t find a comparable source for Republican candidates, we did find an article with links to information about both Democratic and Republican candidates running for House and Senate seats. Since not all the primaries are yet over and, therefore, the opponents are not all decided, we expect there will be more information for us to pass on in the coming months.
For now, we encourage everyone to become familiar with the issues, determine your positions on them, and then ascertain which candidates best represent your priorities. Then speak up and speak out. Donate to the campaigns of these candidates, wherever you and they live. And, as always, spread the word. Our new mantra? Vote locally and act nationally!
Therese (she/her/hers)
Judy (she/her/hers)
Didi (she/her/hers)
Leading Ladies Executive Team