My message to Millenials on the 2016 election

I know you are busy but I hope you will take time to read this.

My first presidential campaign was in 1960. The candidate was John F. Kennedy. I went to rallies, walked door to door, talked to everyone I could because I believed in him, and he passionately supported the issues I cared about: nuclear disarmament, women’s rights and civil rights. I knew if Kennedy lost, these goals would not be achieved.

For these past five decades, many in my generation have fought — tirelessly — for what we believe in. We have campaigned and voted our values and supported candidates who most closely align with our own vision for America. Over the years, the happy result is the achievement of landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, pro-environmental legislation, and countless Supreme Court decisions including Roe v. Wade.

Now it is your turn. So, please, bear with me a moment longer.

In 1985 Hillary Clinton and I were brought together by our shared concern for worldwide peace and justice, improving our health care system, and our mutual passion for the general well being and education of our youngest American’s. Our work together these past 30 years has led to a lifelong friendship. I trust her and know she will be an extraordinary President of the United States.

I understand that not all younger voters share my enthusiasm for Hillary. Some of you may still be disappointed that Sen. Bernie Sanders lost the Primary. I sure get that because I have been in your shoes so many times. Not voting, is abandoning democracy and voting for a third party candidate is throwing away your vote.

At this year’s Democratic National Convention I voted for the most progressive Democratic Platform in history. That platform included the “Unity” provisions supported by both Sen. Sanders and Secretary Clinton which includes bold steps forward on climate change, income and wealth inequality, campaign finance reform, the cost of health care and funding college education.

To implement the platform and guarantee the appointment of a Supreme Court that will align with our progressive values, repeal Citizens United and protect Roe v. Wade, we need Hillary Clinton in the White House and Sen. Sanders in a Democratic-controlled Senate. Plain and simple.

As she has done her entire adult life, Hillary Clinton will move progressive values forward. The other presidential candidates are unstable and temperamentally unfit to be commander in chief or are openly hostile about progressive values. Third Party candidate Gary Johnson, does not even believe in climate change. And Jill Stein is peddling conspiracy theories and promoting a narrative that the vaccine regulation process in the U.S. is corrupt and untrustworthy.

If Hillary Clinton loses, our goals will not be achieved. Donald Trump will be president and the Supreme Court will be lost for decades.

So it’s up to you. Your decision will affect our country for years to come. This is your time and your year. Your vote is important. You have a voice and you have power. Please use it wisely. Consider voting for Hillary Clinton. You will look back and be proud you elected the first woman president of the United States and an extraordinary leader for all Americans.

Thank you

——

Democrat Carol Griffith Williams is the former Montana Senate majority leader and minority leader.