Presidential Election 2020: Not a Hobson's choice

Dear Editor:

I disagree strongly with what Mel Pearlman wrote on May 8 (The Hobson’s choice for president). I don’t believe American Jews have a “Hobson’s choice for president.” There are “shades of gray” about the domestic issues he mentioned. 

Mr. Pearlman acknowledged that “President Trump has been a strong ally and friend of Israel” and gave examples.” I agree wholeheartedly. He went on to say “many of his (President Trump’s) domestic policies have not found favor with a significant majority in the American Jewish community,” mentioning immigration policy, gun control, women’s “reproductive rights” (abortion), climate change and anti-Semitic hate crimes inspired by the radical left and radical right. I believe he was overly general about what “a significant majority” of American Jews believe. I’ve observed that Jewish views on most of these are diverse. These are not binary “yes/no” issues. There is a broad spectrum of positions among Jews and Americans in general.

Mr. Pearlman failed to mention President Trump’s economic policies, which resulted in record low unemployment (until the current coronavirus epidemic), and in the greatest percentage gains in income for lower-wage, “blue collar workers.” He failed to mention President Trump’s bold positions against the despicable actions of China, Russia and Iran. 

I will vote for President Trump and work hard for his re-election because he is the best choice for Jews and Israel and because I believe his policies best serve the interests of a majority of Americans.

Rabbi Sanford (Sandy) Olshansky

Member, National

Leadership Council

Republican Jewish Coalition