To the editor:

Suppose you are hiking with a group in the Flint Hills. Too late you hear a loud rattle, and a young man is bitten by a rattlesnake. What is the single most important piece of emergency equipment you have? Answer: your car key. Get him to an emergency room.

What is the single most important action you can take to promote:

• respect for the Constitution and the balance of powers;

• concerted efforts to minimize climate change;

• a culture of respect and cooperation in our country;

• affordable medical care for all;

• economic growth that helps all of us, not just those at the top;

• a return to leadership of the free world ;

• a reduction of gun violence;

• compassion for the poor, the homeless, the refugees from violence?

The answer — you guessed it — is vote. In addition, you can be well informed about the candidates and you can encourage others to vote. You can start talking to family, friends, neighbors today. Be sure you are registered. Our next president, U.S. senators and 2nd Congressional District representative will play crucial roles in all of this.

Joe Douglas,

Lawrence