I found Jerry Cothran's letter on the choice between candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton interesting but internally contradictory ("Choosing the lesser of two evils," June 10).
Ms. Clinton is described as a politician who will say anything to get elected, whereas Mr. Trump is described as provocative — and will say just say anything.
Excuse me if I don't see the difference. On one hand we are talking about a well-honed political smear of a candidate over decades that has taken hold.
On the other, we are talking about the "real" thing candidate who demonstrates his, I guess provocativeness, if you want to call it that, on a recurring basis. No smear job needed here. It is just out there for us all to watch.
Moreover, the government doesn't create jobs, but "Government actions promoting the private sector creation of jobs." Is there a difference?
And does the writer realize that most government money goes for contractor (private sector) services, and for "safety-net" programs necessitated by our brand of capitalism — money that, for the most part, is spent in the private sector? A high percentage of what is called private sector innovation comes from government supported activities like the ARPA Net that provided the underpinnings of today's Internet, along with the space and defense programs, oil exploration advances like fracking, health care advances and so on.
I support Ms. Clinton because of her policies. I did not support Mr. Sanders because he is wrong on trade, which while causing job displacement, creates jobs, makes for cheaper imported and domestic products and a safer world.
Mr. Sanders is wrong on breaking-up the "big" banks," for what purpose and/or unintended consequence; he's right on health care, a living wage and availability of higher education, but his proposals in these areas just won't sell in America.
Ms. Clinton supports trade, proposes to maintain and enhance bank oversight as necessary and has more practical proposals on health care, wage inequity and wider availability of higher education.
Other than the "wall" and racial profiling, I don't really know what Mr. Trump believes. What I do know from history is America, with all its diversity is stronger when we stand together. Mr. Trump is a very divisive force, which will not advance or protect America in a very competitive and dangerous world.
Joseph Costa, Baltimore