Our votes are an expression of our conscience and have meaning, whether or not our choice prevails.

In this presidential election, our votes can declare our approval/support of violations of the Constitution, our own laws, humanitarian law, and international law. Or, our votes can send a message that we do not support or approve of these transgressions, nor do we support complicity in genocide, the destruction of Palestinians and Palestine, or the proxy war in Ukraine.

Both Democratic and Republican politicians are guilty of these violations, as well as complicity in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people, and destruction of Ukraine.

We are told Hamas are terrorists. Who among us has made the effort to learn about the genesis of Hamas, a political organization that arose in response to the inhumane treatment of Palestinians? The history of the founding of Israel? The overthrow of the democratically elected president of Ukraine, fomented by the U.S., in 2014?

When the facts are hidden from the public, no debate occurs. In a recent essay, “War and the Constitution,” Judge Andrew P. Napolitano writes:

“These questions should be addressed in a national debate over the U.S. military involvement in Ukraine and Israel. Sadly, there has been no debate … challenging the government’s reckless, immoral, illegal and unconstitutional wars.”

“Under the Constitution, only Congress can declare war on a nation or group.”

“Do Congress or the president uphold the Constitution? They do not.”

I believe it is imperative that we, as caring citizens, consider carefully whether our conclusions are valid. Are our opinions shaped through careful and thorough analysis? Or, are we accepting opinions stated as facts?

I am not persuaded, in this election or at any time, that “the lesser evil” is not also “evil.”

Kamala Harris has made herself clear: She has promised, if elected, to create “the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world.” This in the face of a yearlong complicity in genocide and the proxy war in Ukraine (“How the West Brought War to Ukraine,” by Benjamin Abelow).

If you join me in preferring peace to war and destruction, you may consider also joining me in voting for Jill Stein as a matter of conscience and a matter of principle.

In interviews, Stein is clear about the powers of the president and how she intends to use them, day one, should she be elected. Among these: significant reform of the U.N., significant reduction of the military. Her platform can be found online at jillstein2024.com/platform.

Around the globe we have witnessed students courageously and peacefully expressing their unwillingness to support genocide. We have witnessed crass, brutal interrogations by members of Congress, intimidating several university presidents. We are witnessing increasing censorship by universities, colleges, in the news media and in our government.

It takes great courage, patience and commitment to choose diplomacy. It takes no courage to provide the young of others with the most lethal weapons at hand with which to kill and destroy.

I would respectfully suggest that this is a time for introspection, deep thought, careful and thorough analysis. A time to consider what kind of future we hope to create for our children, our grandchildren? What kind of future do we hope to create for all children around the world?

Postscript: To gain a broad sense of the depths to which our government and our allies are willing to go to keep the public in the dark, I suggest: “The Trial of Julian Assange” by Nils Melzer, which reviewer John Endacott called “the story about each and every one of us, our lethargy, our self-deception and our co-responsibility for the political, economic, and human tragedies of our time.”

Deborah Andrew lives in Shelburne.