To the editor:

Despite every person having thoughts and opinions, not every American is asked to participate in polls and surveys. Yet, a New York Times headline proclaims: “Biden 42%, Trump 42%.”

I think we should be questioning the media’s focus on such competitive statements since I’m pretty sure that the voices of the majority of Americans who quietly go about dealing with the stresses of work and caring for their families are rarely represented.

I think the average person in America recognizes how the competitive financial world puts profit above people and understands that workers suffer for it. They see the bitter divide of racism and hate crimes and believe that people of every color, culture and creed should feel safe in America. They view mass shootings and macho gun mentality with horror and are thankful to live in a state with sensible, protective gun laws.

I think they watch corporations chemically polluting water, air and soil and are grateful for regulations that seek to protect their health and the environment. They believe in laws that preserve the safety and dignity of every fellow human being and understand it’s the necessary function of government to legislate in a civilized society; even when it’s personally inconvenient.

I think many people are alarmed by unregulated social media spreading lies, discord and anarchy. They’re incredulous that an incendiary mob vandalized the Capitol. They’re upset that the Nazi fascism of book banning has reared its ugly head in this country. They wish for our U.S. courts to try every individual, based on verified factual merit and a sworn oath by the accused to tell the truth — rather than a trial by media hype and insinuation.

Despite quiet opinions being overpowered by angry, aggressive voices, I think there are many Americans who want a democracy that’s “for the people” — not capitalism, not white supremacy.

Martha Hodges

Massena