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Cast votes based on health care, global warming, education | Opinion

Rockford Register Star · last updated

Cast votes based on health care, global warming, education | Opinion


To my Democratic representatives: Where are you?  Where is your message?

With the midterm elections scheduled next year, I hear often that the Democrats do not have a clear message.

I do hear a clear message from Republicans.

Below are three key issues that will help me decide between them.

First is concern for global warming.

Wind, solar and geothermal are cheaper and better for our world’s health than oil and coal. I will vote for the candidates who support cleaner and cheaper energy.

With hurricanes, droughts, floods, and smoke from Canadian wildfires, we must vote for people who understand global warming. I fear a President who is scared of windmills.

More: Your turn: For health, drink whole milk not reduced fat

Second, I want people who are concerned about the expense of health care and the suffering of those who do not receive it.

Medical costs are increasing at three times the rate of inflation. The Rockford Register Star just reported a story that medical care costs an average of $14,570 per person in the U.S.

Without Medicare and Medicaid, uninsured people cannot get preventive care. Instead, they have wait to go to the emergency room, where they must be accepted. It then costs much more, and we who are insured are required to make up for those unpaid medical bills.

I will vote for politicians who want to decrease all of our medical costs by ensuring medical insurance for everyone.

Third, the best way to decrease crime is to provide people with a good education so they can get well-paying jobs.

Illinois is remarkable for its support for education, including post-high school education.

Many candidates oppose public education. Most educated voters do not vote simply for the plutocrat who has the most campaign money to put out deceptive fear-mongering advertisements. Most educated people vote wisely, work productively, have self-esteem and earn enough money so they are most as likely to commit petty crimes.

When you prepare to go to the polls, find out if your candidates truly understand the risks of global warming, the need for healthcare and the value of education.

Be wise enough to see through deceptive and false claims. May we elect leaders that again make America truly great.

Roc Ordman is a professor emeritus of biochemistry at Beloit College.