Letter to the editor: What it means to be a Democrat

As the 2020 election approaches, before you cast your ballot, before you place a “D” or an “R” after your name, please stop and ask yourself if you actually know what it means to be a Democrat?

Democrats believe that cooperation is better than conflict, unity is better than division, empowerment is better than resentment and bridges are better than walls.

Our core values include working to promote the following for all Americans:

1. Protecting voting rights

2. Ensuring health, safety and affordable health care

3. Providing quality and affordable education

4. Fighting for economic fairness against inequality

5. Protecting our values, peace building, protecting democracy and safeguarding minorities including LGBTQ people and people with disabilities

6. Combating climate change, building a clean energy economy and securing environmental justice while creating good-paying jobs

7. Raising incomes and restoring economic security for all, not just the wealthiest Americans

8. Supporting our troops and protecting our veterans

9. Demonstrating principled leadership that confronts global threats and serves as a leader in the world

10. Protecting religious freedom and women’s rights, and treating all people with respect and dignity.

11. Promoting responsible gun ownership

We are not communists or baby killers, we won’t put kids in cages and we fight for justice and equality for all.

Diana Steck

North Huntingdon