COMMENTARY ELECTIONS MATTER

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

money from public schools to pay for it. He has the support of the rightwing leaders of the Chicago Police Union, in part because he promises more of the same – more police without reform or accountability. His financial support comes largely from wealthy private donors – many of them conservative Republicans. The two campaigns have unleashed millions in ads – many of them negative, some scurrilous – like the claim that Johnson would “defund the police.” Underneath the ad barrage, the choice is clear. If you believe that Chicago needs to invest in its public schools and reform its police, Johnson is your candidate. If you believe that public schools should be drained to support private ventures, if you want more of the same from the police, and if you prefer a candidate who is funded by wealthy financial interests, Vallas is your man.

If you prefer a candidate supported largely by workers and their unions, Johnson gets your vote. There are other issues but these surely are defining ones.

Increasingly, elections across the country – from the White House to city councils – feature stark choices like this. Under the influence of Donald Trump, the Republican Party has become more wedded to the politics of fear and division, more committed to tax benefits for the rich and program cuts for the poor, more wedded to big money and big oil, and less committed to democracy and free and fair elections.

For example, today in Wisconsin, voters will elect a new member of the highest court in the state, who will represent the deciding vote on a court panel that is basically split evenly between Democrats and Republicans. The progressive candidate favors a woman’s right to choose and defends the right to vote, opposing the partisan gerrymandering that allows Republicans to dominate the legislature with a minority of the votes. The conservative candidate is anti-choice and will uphold partisan gerrymandering. Again, a stark choice, one that, with Wisconsin a swing state in a divided nation, will have a major effect on national politics over the next few years. Elections matter – and they matter even more as the partisan divide gets ever wider. As the choices get starker, then it is even more vital that more and more people express their opinion by casting their ballot. Vote today if you still can – and be prepared to vote in the future. This country faces deep challenges – and our democracy depends upon citizens to make the choices.

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this Newspaper or by email at: jjackson@rainbowpush.org

Mayor Sylvester Turner's 15th annual Family Day in the Park has been postponed until May.

Please stay tuned for the announcement of a new day!

POSTPONED: MAYOR TURNER'S 15TH ANNUAL FAMILY DAY IN THE PARK

Mayor Turner apologizes for the inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your support of this family-friendly event. We'll see you next month.

Comerica Bank and Iron Mountain Incorporated will securely shred sensitive paper documents for free from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at Comerica’s Mangum Banking Center (2201 Mangum Road, Houston 77092).