To the editor:

I read with interest a letter to this space which appeared on Saturday, Oct. 24. In it, the writer thoughtfully set out their vision for America. In response, I would like to set out my own. I desire an America where:

Secure borders do not come at the cost of shooting innocent people on the street.

We do not cozy up to dictators while at the same time insulting long-time allies.

We don’t punish small businesses with regressive tariffs and farmers with increased fuel costs while at the same time rewarding billionaires with massive tax breaks.

Food and health benefits are not randomly cut to the most needy.

The rule of law is not ignored as a matter of course, along with ignoring court orders.

Corruption is not engaged in by the most powerful as a matter of course.

Americans are not forced to pay for and even die in pointless wars.

Public buildings are not defaced or demolished as vanity projects.

In short, like many others, I do not have to on the one hand love my country while at the same time fearing my government. On Nov. 3, we can change this for the better.

Jeff Southard,

Lawrence