Letter: Karishma Manzur best choice to replace Sen. Shaheen

Foster's Daily Democrat | LTE by John T. Fussell

The Sept. 8 Democratic primary in New Hampshire to replace Sen. Jeanne Shaheen presents a clear choice: Karishma Manzur, a community and human rights activist, Ph.D. scientist, and longtime New Hampshire resident, or Chris Pappas, a status-quo four-term congressperson.

Karishma’s values and record of activism prove she will fight for affordable health care for all. In contrast, Pappas, in his seven years in Congress, failed to cosponsor key legislation such as Medicare for All, protections for Social Security and Medicare, minimum nurse staffing ratios, and expanded Medicare coverage for seniors.

Karishma understands the hardship of surviving on minimum wage and will support raising the minimum wage. Pappas failed to back legislation for a higher federal minimum wage and national paid sick leave.

Unlike Pappas, who repeatedly supports giving billions of dollars in military aid to Israel despite its genocidal actions in Gaza and military assaults throughout the Middle East, Karishma opposes such funding and prioritizes humanitarian concerns and domestic needs.

Unlike Pappas, who voted to impose sanctions on International Criminal Court judges investigating Israel’s war crimes, Karishma supports international law and the framework for peaceful resolution of conflicts.

While Pappas accepts significant donations from AIPAC and its affiliated pro-Israel groups, Karishma will not accept such donations.

Congressman Pappas communicates in political Washington-speak. He claims to support working families, but his voting record fails to live up to his campaign talking points. We need a senator whose actions square with campaign promises and will not bow to the pressures of large campaign donors.

Karishma knows that working families are best served by peace and affordable housing, healthcare, and education. Karishma will support New Hampshire’s working families and stop endless wars that drain U.S. resources and harm people and the planet. On Sept. 8, I’ll be voting for Karishma Manzur for U.S. Senate.

John T. Fussell, Dover