Should get involved

It is my understanding that we have an extreme shortage of local Democratic political candidates in Greene County. Democrats should run for something, and not just when they think that a win is likely. We should have a candidate for every office during every election. It was embarrassing last year when so many local positions held by Republicans went unopposed, and we didn’t even have a candidate for U. S. Congress on the ballot.

If no one else runs for Justice of the Peace District 1 as a Democrat, then I will. But I won’t be an independent or centrist candidate as some think has the best chance of winning. I will put the phrase “Liberal Democratic Values” on my yard sign. If asked, I will defend Black Lives Matter, sanctuary cities, same- sex marriage, Social Security, the separation of church and state, opposition to bathroom bills, Obamacare, the inheritance tax, Medicare, evolution, food stamps, progressive taxation, abortion rights, sensible gun regulation, workers’ rights, tolerance of Muslims, etc. I might even bring up subjects like those on my own.

I have been told that JPs are basically nonpartisan, but for the most part I believe that national politics move things locally, and that is the position from which many politicians in higher offices get their start. I can’t find any normal person who knows much about obscure local issues, but everyone has an opinion on those big national issues— which influences whether they vote for Democrats or Republicans.

I hope that other Democrats will run for offices too. It is relatively inexpensive to run for local office, and there are dozens of positions that need candidates, but the deadline to file is soon. It isn’t enough to just vote. We should also get involved. Especially when no one else will. CALVIN JAMES HANELINE

Paragould