DEAR EDITOR:

I know Biden giving aid to Israel was wrong. I know Israel causing genocide of not just Palestinians, but Jewish, American and any other nationalities in Gaza is horrifically wrong and I stand with the Free Palestine movement. However, am I wrong to also want all the hostages to be freed too?

I know more Palestinians are dying, so I get that movement, but what about the Israelis being slaughtered? The hostages? I understand the nationwide protests, and I applaud your efforts, but am I wrong to think that if you vote against Biden, thinking Trump will actually help your cause, you’re wrong. Nothing short of Jesus himself setting his sandals down on the Holy Land will ever stop the war.

I’m going to digress a second — do you realize it’s an American presidential election year and your vote will have consequences for the 300-plus million living here?

I love that you’re thinking about those in trouble, but am I wrong to think “But what about the country you’re living and protesting in?” Your vote greatly affects all of us and our freedoms of voice and choice. Those could be silenced if you vote based on a war that has now impacted us here. A war we don’t need. You must choose wisely and realize the ramifications of your choice.

We have enough problems with mass shootings and inner-government turmoil that dictate how we function as a society. There are also the many trials of a former POTUS, who couldn’t help you, because neither candidate can stop a growing hurricane of genocide.

Do you miraculously think Hamas and Netanyahu are going to stop and listen to anyone and sign a peace treaty? I love the solidarity, but do we here in the U.S. need to resort to the same violence that started the Gaza war in the first place?

Netanyahu is the last person who should talk about protecting students! If he stopped bombing long ago, this wouldn’t be happening. Sadly, the war can’t be stopped by anyone. It can be fed and continue for years.

I care about the children and the videos I’ve seen of dead people in Gaza are heartbreaking. But, I guess I’m wrong when I think more about our way of life here and how it will be impacted if people choose a candidate that they think would be best for helping their cause and ignoring the causes of 300-plus million Americans, including the Israelis and Palestinians living here.

You can hate me and my opinion, but at least respect I had the guts to say it.

MELISSA MAGAN

Youngstown