Letters

We on the East End witnessed two important political events this past week.

The first was the resounding win in the Democratic primary by John Avlon. With his excellent credentials and background, Avlon, 51, could do anything with his life right now, yet he is choosing to run for a seat in Congress as a Democrat in a Republican-leaning district.

The second was the mind-blowing presidential debate. We witnessed Donald Trump in full form as his usual lying, bombastic and fear-mongering self. We witnessed Joe Biden, never a superb speaker, giving a horrific performance, mumbling and not finishing sentences coherently.

It is apparent that we must encourage younger people to become involved in politics, both to run for political office, and to run and advise campaigns. They could start small — they could start local. But we need the next generation of ethical political leaders, and we need them now. It is essential to the preservation of our democracy, and that is real, not just a campaign slogan.

I’m too old to run for political office, or I would. So I support my candidates by campaigning, sending postcards, making phone calls and, of course, voting, voting, voting. But we need the next generation of honorable people to be the candidates and to support and advise those candidates.

I have two earnest and smart grand-nephews, ages 11 and 15. When they visit in a few weeks, I’m taking them over to John Avlon’s campaign office and having a long talk with them about the importance of politics.

I suggest that everyone else do the same.

Paula J. Angelone, Ph.D.

Southampton Village