Letters

We face one of the most important elections in our nation’s history this year, and every sub-election is important.

Of course, everyone is watching the Biden/Trump rematch. I certainly hope you look closely and realize that Joe Biden is the obvious choice for what he has done and will do. Donald Trump is another matter.

Wherever one looks — in newspapers, magazines, on TV shows — we hear that our democracy is at risk. I agree. These are important and complicated concepts, and they are essentially contested. That is, they have different meanings for different people.

We have been working to reach a shared meaning of democracy and social justice with groups of members of our society, including other politicians, teachers, college educators, and more. In fact, the latest book that my wife, Tina Jacobowitz, and I have written with some of my doctoral students from Johns Hopkins University and the City University of New York is “Education and Social Justice,” published by Routledge.

We are not trying to sell the book. In fact, Routledge has determined that it is among the most important books they have published and will make it available as an online version. Let us know if you want the link, no cost to you and no royalties to us.

Anyone serious about this election should examine the meaning of these two critical concepts and other important and contested concepts like education and freedom.

When you vote on June 25 to determine who will be on the ballot, the election for members of the House of Representatives is critical. I am biased, as evidenced by the work I do for the Democrats. But we need to have a majority of Democrats in the House. I am sure that you, as are we, are concerned about the war in Ukraine, the attack on Israel, the response by Israel as possible precursors to major war.

I think both Democratic candidates for the House are good, intelligent, and caring citizens. We are convinced, however, that John Avlon has the best chance to win and the best experience.

He is an author and public speaker and understands history. In his book on Abraham Lincoln he noted, “Abraham Lincoln once said that the proper role for government is do for people what they cannot do for themselves on an individual basis.”

Avlon commits to fight for federal investment on the future of climate, improvement in transportation and help for working class families. He also stands for a woman’s right to choose and investment in education, especially civic education.

All of these are very complex and important positions, and we need someone like Avlon who can move them forward.

Nick Michelli

Water Mill