I asked A.I.: Give me advice on Voting.
"Absolutely, Gary. Voting is one of the most direct ways to shape your community[.] Here's a practical and philosophically grounded guide to help you vote with clarity and intention:
"Foundational Advice for Voting
"Prepare Before You Vote
- Review voter guides and sample ballots: These help you understand candidates’ positions and ballot measures. You can find them through USA.gov or local newspapers.
- Know your polling place: Use the Virginia Dept. of Elections lookup tool to find where and when to vote.
- Understand your ballot: Familiarize yourself with the layout and issues so you’re not rushed or confused at the booth."
"Philosophical Clarity
- Vote as an act of recognition: You're not just choosing policies—you’re affirming the shared reality and dignity of others in your community.
- Avoid reactive voting: Instead of voting against something, vote for what aligns with your values and vision for mutual resilience.
- Use discernment: Apply principles like the Hermetic Law of Correspondence—ask how each candidate’s micro-actions reflect macro-values."
"Practical Tips for Election Day
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Bring ID | Virginia requires it for in-person voting. |
| Bring notes or a sample ballot | Helps you stay focused and intentional. |
| Avoid peak hours | Reduces wait time and stress. |
| Ask for help if needed | Election workers are there to assist you." |
"You can also vote early or by mail if that suits your schedule better. Learn more at Vote.gov."
"If You Face Issues
- Know your rights: You have the legal right to vote. If someone tries to interfere, call the Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-687-8683.
- Accessibility matters: If you need accommodations, your local election office must provide them."
"Would you like help evaluating candidates or ballot measures through a philosophical lens?"
Are there any Candidates for office in Virginia and then Nationwide who explicitly emphasize protecting children from child trafficking?
"Yes, Gary—there are both Virginia-based and national-level candidates and officials who explicitly emphasize protecting children from trafficking. Here's a breakdown of key figures and initiatives:
"Virginia Leaders Focused on Child Trafficking Prevention
"Governor Glenn Youngkin
- Initiative: Operation Silence Shattered (launched January 2025)
- Focus: Awareness, prevention, and enforcement targeting trafficking on college campuses and across communities.
- Impact: Over 3,700 people reached, 21 arrests made, and 12 victims identified and offered services.
- Legislation Signed:
- HB 633: Expands penalties for forced labor and allows civil lawsuits by victims.
- HB 581: Requires multidisciplinary trafficking response teams.
- HB 100: Increases penalties for child labor violations."
"Attorney General Jason Miyares
- Grant Secured: $1.29M from DOJ to improve outcomes for youth victims.
- Actions:
- Training for law enforcement and prosecutors.
- Legislation for mandatory trafficking awareness in schools and businesses.
- Launch of the 100% Business Alliance Against Trafficking."
"National-Level Champions
"Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA)
- Bill: Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025
- Co-sponsor: Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
- Purpose: Strengthen coordination between DOJ and HHS to prevent child trafficking.
- Other Legislation:
- Supporting Victims of Human Trafficking Act
- Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023
- REPORT Act: Requires platforms to report child trafficking crimes."
"How to Use This Information as a Voter
- Track candidates’ legislative records: Look for bills they’ve sponsored or supported related to trafficking.
- Evaluate rhetoric vs. action: Prioritize those who’ve backed funding, enforcement, and survivor support.
- Engage locally: Ask your representatives about their stance and support for trafficking prevention."
"Would you like help drafting questions to ask candidates or identifying organizations that rate politicians on child protection issues?"
https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2025/january/name-1039814-en.html
Are there any Virginia Candidates for Office and Nationwide who explicitly hold anti-war or pro-peace positions?
"Yes, Gary—there are candidates in Virginia and nationwide who explicitly hold anti-war or pro-peace positions. Their stances vary in depth and emphasis, but several stand out for their commitment to de-escalation, diplomacy, and restraint in foreign policy."
"Virginia Candidates with Pro-Peace or Anti-War Positions
"Tim Kaine (Democratic U.S. Senator, seeking reelection)
- Track Record:
- Co-sponsored the Reproductive Freedom For All Act and the Housing Supply and Affordability Act.
- Vocal about the need for Congressional approval before military action.
- Opposed open-ended war authorizations and supported ending U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen.
- Philosophy: Advocates for robust debate before war and emphasizes diplomacy over intervention."
"James Walkinshaw (Democratic candidate for VA-11)
- Position: Called for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticized unconstitutional U.S. strikes on Iran.
- Approach: Supports diplomacy and humanitarian aid, while maintaining strategic alliances."
"Robert Sarvis (Libertarian, past candidate)
- Stance: Explicitly anti-war, advocating for non-intervention and reduced military entanglements."
"National-Level Candidates with Anti-War or Pro-Peace Platforms
"Jill Stein (Green Party Presidential Candidate)
- Platform: Strongly anti-war, supports demilitarization and redirecting military spending to social programs.
- Focus: Peace through diplomacy, nuclear disarmament, and ending foreign interventions."
"Chase Oliver (Libertarian Presidential Candidate)
- Stance: Advocates for ending U.S. military involvement abroad and reducing defense spending.
- Philosophy: Non-interventionist, emphasizing individual liberty and peaceful foreign relations."
"Donald Trump (Republican Presidential Candidate)
- Narrative: Positions himself as a peace candidate by criticizing ongoing wars and pledging to end the Ukraine conflict quickly.
- Criticism: While not traditionally anti-war, some independents view his rhetoric as more peace-oriented than current administration policies."
"How to Evaluate Candidates Through a Peace Lens
| Criteria | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Voting Record | Support for War Powers reform, opposition to military aid without conditions |
| Public Statements | Calls for ceasefires, diplomatic solutions, and restraint |
| Legislation Sponsored | Bills promoting peace, disarmament, or ending military interventions |
| Alliances | Support for international cooperation over unilateral action" |
"Would you like help creating a voter guide that filters candidates by peace-oriented policies and child protection stances?"
https://ontheissues.org/states/VA_War_+_Peace.htm
https://ballotpedia.org/2024_presidential_candidates_on_the_Israel-Palestine_conflict
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/harris-trump-antiwar-ukraine-israel-peace-rcna174077
[I am not in agreement with a few of these recommendations. Kaine is not anti-war in my view. Trump is no longer courting the anti-war vote, suggesting he was holding anti-war positions to get elected. He has since become more like a third Bush. In my view.]
