Editor, The Smithfield Times:

The death of Alexei Navalny, who fought so gallantly for the right to freedom and democracy in Russia, is a wakeup call for the entire world. 

In America, many of our citizens have given their lives to protect those rights here and throughout the world. Their sacrifices must not be in vain. Let’s be vigilant and involved to make sure that never happens. Apathy is the biggest risk to freedom and democracy. Make a difference; let your voice be heard.

I choose to be active through politics, however there are so many other possibilities. One for sure is to vote because it is the way that we can demonstrate our commitment to democracy. The very act of voting in free and fair elections is what Navalny and all of our American heroes died for.

“Long live freedom and democracy”!

 

Joe Puglisi

Smithfield