To the Editor,

On the surface, the contest for Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District may appear as a local race between well-known politicians, one a Democrat and the other a Republican. But it’s immensely more significant and urgent than its implications for Rhode Island. It is a contest that will determine if we remain a county governed on democratic ideals, principles, and values or a country ruled for the benefit of certain classes of people and corporations.

It is a contest between two candidates from two very different political parties. Seth Magaziner is a member of a political party that believes that all people are equal with a right to participate in their government. The other, Allan Fung’s party, believes that discrimination based on sexual identity, religion, and income and that participation in governing should be restricted and determined by a select group of men and corporations.

Allan Fung’s Republican party is closer to a cult than a political party. It requires a pledge of allegiance to a person, not to the symbol and values of our democracy. Republicans who stood for our constitution and American values have been ridiculed, attacked, and ostracized from participation in their party. If you vote for Allan Fung, you are voting for Kevin McCarthy and Donald Trump and their anti-democratic agenda. 

Seth Magaziner offers Rhode Island and America the commitment to continue the fight to bring meaning and actions to the words, We the People. He will not be a puppet for two men thirsting for power. Seth’s pledge will be to our constitution, the people of Rhode Island, and America.

This November, your vote is not just for a person, Allan Fung or Seth Magaziner. It’s not a vote for a Republican or a Democrat. It’s a vote to decide if America will continue its pursuit to become a fairer, inclusive, and just nation committed to fighting not for select groups of privileged people and corporations but all for Americans. Allan Fung is a vote for two men who have demonstrated their disdain for American values and justice.

Seth Magaziner is a vote for “we the people” and the commitment to upholding our precious and fragile democracy. It’s a vote that will ensure that the rights we value and enjoy will be protected. It’s a vote that will ensure that you and I are respected and valued for who we are, not based on our race, religion, or net worth.

Tom Wojick

Cranston