2016 ELECTION

Why I will vote for Trump

In this election, voting for either presidential candidate is not pleasing. It can be said that each has had success in career and standing. Both have capabilities. They did not arrive at where they are today without being smart, intelligent, diligent, tough, risk-taking, hardworking, mean and political.

The choice I have is to vote for whomever aligns with my interests and the ideals that I believe are in the best interest of the country and its people.

Those ideals are:

• Jobs that pay a living wage such that adults can live on their own and provide themselves with food, shelter, medical care and transportation.

• A controlled entry/exit program for immigrants.

• A Supreme Court that ensures constitutional law.

I have been called rural, uneducated, racist, deplorable, implicitly biased and a legal terrorist during this election season. I believe that I am respectful, smart and intelligent, and I think that if my ideals are implemented they will solve many (not all) of the country's problems. I believe that the people will then be more happy and respectful.

I believe my ideals align with Donald Trump.

Thomas Grendzinski, Burnsville

• • •

It is easy for Hillary Clinton to win the upcoming presidential election. However, most of her efforts opposing Trump are unnecessary, because he has destroyed his campaign all by himself. She is fortunate to have such an inept and idiotic opponent. Most observers believe that any Republican could defeat Clinton, considering her ability to offend a majority of the electorate.

What she should do would be to minimize the anti-business platform contributed by Bernie Sanders during the nominating campaign. By stressing the liberal agenda of increasing business taxes, paid family and medical leave, and minimum wages, she is compromising the business community that creates employment for the many Americans for whom having a job is so critical. Bernie is essentially gone from the election scene, and her campaign would benefit from a more moderate political philosophy enabling business to prosper and grow, thus enhancing employment.

Seymour Handler, Edina
'RIGGED ELECTION'

Mandate voting. Problem solved.

To avoid future " 'Rigged' vote claim splits state" polls (Oct. 26), let's adopt a mandatory requirement for U.S. citizens to vote in national and state elections, or at least attend a polling place on voting day.

Some 38 countries have mandatory voting or have had it in the past, including the U.S., where the state of Georgia made voting compulsory in its 1777 constitution, subject to a fine, unless the person could provide a "reasonable excuse." In 1924, Australia legislated a mandatory-voting system after its turnout in federal elections dipped below 60 percent. In 1925, the participation rate rose to 91 percent and has never dipped below that since. Nonvoters get a letter from the electoral commission demanding an explanation for their absenteeism. Unless they have a good excuse, they are fined. If they fail to pay they can end up in court, where the fine is upped substantially, plus court fees. Refusal to pay means possible jail time.

Places with mandatory voting — including Australia, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France (Senate only), Guatemala, Gabon, Italy, Peru, Paraguay, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey and Uruguay — have less wealth inequality, lower levels of political corruption and polarization, less partisan gridlock, broader representation and legitimacy, and higher levels of satisfaction with the way democracy is conducted.

Steve R. Marquardt, Lake Lillian, Minn.
RACE RELATIONS

Pay attention to white privilege

Thank you for the Oct. 26 article "White privilege is real, panelists tell Hopkins seminar." I would like to recommend a terrific resource to anyone of any race or ethnic background who would like to understand more about race relations in Minnesota. "A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota," published by the Minnesota Historical Society, is a collection of essays by Minnesotans of various backgrounds. A review appeared in the Star Tribune in March (http://strib.mn/2fbXTtS).

These personal, articulate and moving essays taught me about the experiences of these writers and about my own white privilege. The essays also offer an understanding about how Minnesota's unique history and culture contributes to the gaps in equality that we see today.

Katy Perry, Minneapolis