Michael Kowalchuk: Vote Socialist 2024

This November, I will proudly vote for Claudia De la Cruz and Karina Garcia of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

Claudia and Karina are activists who know what it’s like to struggle, both personally and politically. Unlike Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, they are in the streets advocating for a free Palestine. Rather than scapegoating third party voters, those who are rightfully upset by the prospect of a Trump victory should turn their attention to the anti-democratic nature of U.S. elections, from racist voter disenfranchisement to the Electoral College, and join organizations that can unite people and fight back against the erosion of our rights.

While the Republican Party has long been led by bigots and billionaires, the Democrats talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. They embraced the slogan “Black Lives Matter” without passing significant reforms to stop killer cops or defund police departments. They played politics with abortion, failing to codify abortion rights into law. They pretend to support immigrants while they further militarize the border, tell migrants not to come, and hypocritically support deadly sanctions against Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. They say climate change is a threat, but their energy policy is also “drill, baby, drill!”

Claudia and Karina actually embody progressive ideas: meeting the needs of ordinary people, slashing military spending, avoiding war with Russia and China, combating racism, and defending women’s and LGBTQ rights. No matter who wins in November, we will need a grassroots movement to build the society we deserve.

Michael Kowalchuk

Northampton