Democracy was on the ballot, include all the data
An election worker organizes ballots to be counted at the Philadelphia Ballot Processing Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Credit: Bloomberg/Kristen Harrison
Democracy was on the ballot, after all
Based on the election returns, although President Joe Biden faced punditry and political criticism, it now appears he was right when he said, “Democracy is on the ballot” and voters should consider it a vital factor whether a candidate commits to accepting an election outcome, win or lose [“Biden: Democracy threatened,” News, Nov. 3].
To do otherwise would be like playing a game of tag where one player refuses to acknowledge he’s “it” regardless of how clearly and firmly he is touched. The game would simply fall apart.
Of course, our democratic republic is certainly not a children’s game, but it, too, will fall apart if candidates accept the legitimacy of only those vote tallies that put them in the lead.
In the final scene of “Saving Private Ryan,” Capt. John H. Miller’s final command to James Ryan, in light of all of those who died in the effort to rescue him, is to live a life of merit — to “earn this.”
Voters who reward candidates and would-be leaders who do not act in that spirit but who, instead, traffic insidious innuendos, lies and outright election denialism risk similarly playing a role in our democratic republic’s falling apart.
— Chuck Cutolo, Westbury
To make best point, include all the data
Cathy Young has been a consistent advocate for fully considering facts on emotionally charged subjects. While she has acquired a large dose of “never Trumpism,” she presents that viewpoint in a reasoned way.
That’s why I was surprised at the attacks and fatalities data she offered to support her extremism argument [“Pelosi attack exposes some extremist truths,” Opinion, Nov. 3]. They seemingly ignored attacks and fatalities during 2020 in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.
All those who perpetrate attacks for their ideological viewpoint believe they are right. People who object to such attacks similarly believe they are right. The victims of attacks should count either way. It is disappointing that Young excluded this data.
— Tom Blewitt, Port Jefferson
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