I come from an unusual nest to cast my support for democrat Justin Parish: I am a Green, and I have already cast my vote for Dr. Jill Stein for president.
I support Dr. Stein for two fundamental reasons: 1. She most closely aligns with my personal beliefs, and I believe that for democracy to work, you must vote for your ideals and not settle for a candidate with whom you disagree less. 2. Dr. Stein is not a politician, and her perspectives are therefore working at a right angle to the corporate interest that clearly funds our elected leader.
Though Mr. Parish is a Democrat, I still believe that I can support him for the same reasons. I have listened to him very closely on the campaign trail; his experience in education makes clear where his priorities are: not to one party, not as an experienced politician, but as a seasoned Alaskan who wants to provide resources to our future, and to give children a chance to decide how our state’’s future will be shaped.
I do not know how he will fare in an age of corporate interests interfering with democracy. But sometimes it’s not about winning. It’s about voting your conscience and sending a message. I stand against corporate politicians; I stand with Dr. Stein and Mr. Parish.
Danel Griffin
Juneau