The Columbian’s Editorial Board has decided not to endorse a presidential candidate, because 1) the board has no “special insight into Trump or Biden,” and 2) because “neither candidate is emphasizing issues specific to our region” (“How we do our part to help voters,” The Columbian, Oct. 10).
It does not require special insight to recognize conduct that is damaging to the health of our country — political, social and personal — and that which is not. It doesn’t take special insight to distinguish between those who would divide us and those who would unite, between those who claim racial superiority and those who seek equality for all, under the law.
Both candidates emphasize issues specific to our region. Vancouver does not exist in some kind of hermetically sealed stasis, protected against the ravages of unchecked ignorance, stupidity and greed. What affects our neighbors affects us all — and all of us are neighbors. California’s smoky air is our air. Florida’s climate change is our climate change. Keeping yourself healthy keeps all of us healthy. If things are mismanaged badly enough, we all share in the chaos.
Accept the responsibility that comes with being part of a free (for now, anyway) press, and take a stand. To be silent is to be complicit.
