SOMETHING DESERVES ATTENTION

by Chris Quinn

This past Friday, as the Republican Convention came to an end, something happened that has not quite gotten the attention it deserves. For the first time I can remember, the Washington Post issued an editorialcalling one of the two people seeking to bear our nation's standard a "threat to American democracy," "dangerous for the nation and the world" and a "unique and present danger" with potentially "disastrous consequences to global security."

This type of statement from a major newspaper may be stunning – as it should be – in its lack of precedent but it is not without warrant.

The vision Mr. Trump presented last week – callous disregard for truth and law, contempt for members of certain religions, a cold and cruel immigration "plan," scorn for women and women's health and rights, an embrace of torture and a lack of compassion for underserved communities – is entirely at odds with everything our country stands for, what I stand for and have worked for my entire life.

It is also entirely at odds with what Democratic Presidential Nominee Hilary Clinton stands for and the platform she will present this coming week at the convention. Rather than relying on hate, fear and divisiveness, Hilary Clinton is offering ideas and solutions that will improve the lives of all Americans: she is talking about how to keep Americans safe (without violating or ignoring the Constitution, federal or international law); improve racial justice and reform the criminal justice system; she wants to secure women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights and protect our health and safety; and her economic plans will support workers at all levels, not just the top. Critically – considering the wave of gun violence sweeping our nation – she supports sensible gun regulations. And she has an agenda to improve the workplace, with paid family leave, work-force training and – starting early – improved access to early childcare and education.

Her choice of Tim Kaine as Vice President underscores her commitment to bridge-building and a progressive agenda. His experience at the local, state and national level makes him uniquely qualified to be a strong partner in building an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. Senator Kaine's reputation for optimism about America's future stands in direct contrast to the dystopian vision presented by the Republican ticket.

At roughly the same time on Friday that the Washington Post issued its editorial calling (I cannot stress the singularity of this enough) a presidential candidate "a threat to American Democracy" – something else happened: Hillary Clinton made an unannounced visit to Pulse Nightclub in Orlando to pay tribute. This show of respect for the LGTB community overall, as well as the communities of color singled out in this vicious attack, shows a capacity for empathy and a humanity utterly absent in Donald Trump.

Our choice could not be clearer or the stakes higher.

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July 24, 2016

Voices4Hillary addendum

As part of the editorial Chris Quinn mentions in her post above, The Washington Post offered a 5 minute video of Donald

Trump's speech in Cleveland on night 4 of #RNCinCLU. Here is that video.

Donald Trump's convention speech in 5 minutes

Donald Trump addressed the GOP convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 21. The Republican presidential candidate spoke for more than one hour, we broke it down to less than five minutes.