Letters: Unite to protect democracy; School vouchers undermine public education

Unite to protect democracy

If we don’t want to see Donald Trump back in the White House, we need to get serious — and stay united. This isn’t just about politics. It’s about protecting democracy, truth and basic decency.

First, we have to vote. That may sound obvious, but a lot of people still sit out elections or think their vote doesn’t matter. It does. Especially in swing states and down-ballot races. Talk to your friends and family. Make sure they’re registered and have a plan to vote.

Second, we’ve got to come together. Whether you’re a progressive, a moderate, or even a conservative who believes Trump has gone too far — this is the moment to focus on what we have in common: honesty, fairness and a country that works for everyone.

We also need to call out the lies. Trump and his allies count on confusion and conspiracy theories. Let’s push back with facts — online, in conversation and through trusted news sources.

And finally, stay active. Peaceful protests, volunteering, writing letters like this one — it all adds up. Democracy isn’t something we can take for granted.

Stopping Trump isn’t about hating one man. It’s about standing up for the kind of country we want our kids and grandkids to live in. We’ve done it before. We can do it again — but only if we work together.

Let’s not sit this one out.

School vouchers undermine public education

The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) will infuse $10 billion per year for vouchers to help students attend private schools. But what are the choices for average families? States with voucher programs find that they mainly subsidize families who already send their children to private school. Additionally, private school access will vary widely depending on location; low-income rural areas have limited options outside the public school system. In rural Pennsylvania there are counties with no private schools at all, which would limit families seeking school choice to using an online school. Data from the recent pandemic show that most students do not learn as well in a virtual school environment; in-person, teacher-led instruction creates the social environment conducive to student engagement and learning.

Please understand that the ECCA would be funded through tax credits awarded to those who contribute to the voucher program. This tax code change would disrupt the federal government’s revenue generation leaving less to spend on other federal measures. Who benefits? While public schools accept all students in their district, private schools can reject students with disabilities or other students the school wishes to avoid. Private schools may reject students because of their academic ability, personal beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

Vouchers do little more than undermine public education and subsidize parents who already can afford private schools. In reality, true school choice is a fallacy does not exist for most public school students. Ask your senators and representatives to oppose school vouchers and ECCA.

Economic realities show shortcomings of Trump’s policies

The narrative that President Donald Trump’s policies have bolstered the U.S. economy is increasingly contradicted by recent developments. Inflation, which peaked at 9.1% in 2022, remains a pressing concern, with January figures showing an unexpected rise to a six-month high of 3%. This uptick suggests that the administration’s tariff-centric strategies, known to elevate consumer prices, are exacerbating the cost of living.

Investor confidence appears shaken as well. Since President Trump’s inauguration, the S&P 500 has declined by 7.1%, approaching the 10% threshold that defines a market correction.

Compounding these issues, foreign investment in U.S. debt is waning. In December, major holders like Japan and China reduced their U.S. Treasury holdings. Should nations quit purchasing U.S. debt, the U.S. would probably see a devaluation of the dollar, increased borrowing costs, and perhaps a trade surplus, therefore causing possible economic unrest and interest rate rise. This shift is partly driven by concerns over U.S. sanctions and geopolitical tensions, prompting nations to diversify away from dollar-denominated assets.

While 32% of voters in key battleground states identified the economy as their primary concern, and 81% of them supported Trump, electoral choices don’t negate economic realities. Persistently high prices, market volatility and diminishing foreign confidence in U.S. fiscal stability underscore the shortcomings of Trump’s policies.

It’s imperative to move beyond rhetoric and acknowledge the tangible impacts of these strategies. The data paints this picture: the anticipated economic resurgence under President Trump has not materialized so far, leaving American families and the broader economy vulnerable.