FilAms vote: Trump vs the future of Democracy
By Cristina DC Pastor
Filipino Americans trooped to the polls in this historic elections that will decide the next American president to succeed the 46th, Joe Biden.
They voted for a variety of reasons and in different ways. They chose the candidates that reflect their values, their faith, those they deemed ethically upright, who will rein in inflation and keep the economy steady, and who they feel can be the leader in a time of many domestic and global battles. Many voted on November 5, while early voters cast their ballots weeks in advance.
“Tomorrow morning,” writes Greg Agulan, executive director at American Clergy Leadership Conference, on Facebook, “I’ll be heading to the polling station to cast my vote for (Donald) Trump. I believe he has the leadership skills to address America’s challenges and help resolve conflicts around the world. I see him as a strong leader who can tackle many issues facing our nation.”
Broadway actor Jose Llana said he is “proud to cast” his vote for Kamala Harris “as our next #MadamePresident and #VP.” He said he voted Democrat all down the ballot “because the @gop has turned itself into the party of #fascism and #racists!”
The battle lines are drawn.
Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, is running anew for president making immigration and inflation his two outstanding issues against his opponent Vice President Kamala Harris who has made reproductive rights and the future of democracy the cornerstone of her campaign.
Both candidates have polar opposite personalities. Trump is usually combative, making wild and unfounded declarations, and prone to insulting his opponent. He has blasted Harris as having a “low IQ” and being “lazy as hell.” Harris, California’s attorney general for almost six years, portrays herself to be on the side of the law and Trump, with many pending criminal charges against him, she likened to the felons she has put behind bars.
Couple Sheryl Mae and husband Ted Reyes voted in their new home city of Los Angeles.
“First time voting in person again since the pandemic,” they write on Facebook. “We voted for democracy, women’s rights, decency, and humanity.”
Floral designer Jerry Sibal of Manhattan who just returned from the Philippines said, “Got to vote, got my voice and did my civic duty.” Echoed retired registered nurse Tess Dela Cruz, “I am voting for freedom and democracy.
Bam Pastor who lives in Pittsburgh voted with his college-age son. “Please vote. No matter who you support, have your voice be heard.”
