To the Editor:

In regard to the letter titled “Writer offers endorsements for his candidates” in the Oct. 7 issue of the Portage County Gazette concerning the upcoming election for president and senator, it raises two questions I would like to comment on.

The first concerns abortion rights and the presidential candidates. I understand the fervor people hold on moral issues, but the constitution is not actually based on morals or religious beliefs. We are a nation of laws designed to treat all citizens equally. Roe vs. Wade is established law that has been upheld by the Supreme Court repeatedly.

Unfortunately for the letter’s author and others, their moral view on this one issue is enough to drive them to support a candidate who is undeniably unqualified to be president. Since it is unlikely abortion will be made illegal under any president, this is dangerous for the country as a whole.

Besides, with Trump you cannot be certain of his final stance on any issue – everything is subject to negotiation.

The other is praise for Ron Johnson because he is a businessman. Why do people assume a business person would be better at running a country/state than a politician? There is no evidence for that.

Indeed, people like Trump and Johnson support policies and practices designed to help wealthy people first and assume if the rich get richer, it’s good for everyone. Trickle-down economic policies have been tried in the field and found seriously wanting.

Please take note that the job of a president or senator is quite different from that of a CEO and requires different skills and a different knowledge base.

It is time we all stopped voting for a political party or base decisions on a single issue. By all means, vote. But vote for the best person for the job, not a party platform. For me, the choice is clear, Hillary Clinton and Russ Feingold.

Tom Rowe

Stevens Point