A Call for Decency: Choosing America’s Future – My Personal Open Letter to Republicans
To my fellow Americans,
As we head into this pivotal election, I feel compelled to share my perspective—not because I expect to change every mind, but because we’re at a crossroads, and the stakes have never felt higher. I’m not someone who takes sides blindly or dismisses the complexities of our political system. I understand that no party, politician, or administration is without flaws. But this election, just like the last two, is about something much deeper than policy debates, party affiliations, or economic talking points like gas prices or grocery bills.
We’re not deciding between left and right, conservative and liberal. We’re deciding on what kind of nation we want to be, what values we’re willing to stand up for, and what legacy we’ll leave for the generations to come. This choice goes far beyond temporary economic concerns; it’s about the soul of our country—our ethics, our morals, our commitment to decency and truth, and our respect for the democratic principles that have kept us strong.
There’s a clear and unsettling pattern unfolding that mirrors other moments in history, moments that should serve as warnings. We’re seeing leaders tap into fear, division, and blame, distracting us with promises they can’t fulfill. They tell us that they alone can solve our problems. But we know from experience—and from history—that this path leads not to solutions, but to chaos, corruption, and a dangerous concentration of power.
As you read on, I hope you’ll consider why, despite the imperfections on all sides, I believe we have an obligation to choose stability, compassion, and the preservation of the values that make America a place worth believing in.
If you’re asking who to vote for, I’d have to start by explaining why, for me, Trump and today’s GOP aren’t even options. It’s not just about policies or party lines—it’s about the basic principles of integrity, honesty, and compassion, all of which have been overshadowed by extremism and disregard for the truth.
1. The Cult of Personality Over Principles
A democracy depends on accountability, but when it comes to Trump, no matter how many lies he tells or scandals he’s involved in, his base seems unshakable. It’s as if he’s become infallible to his followers, no matter the evidence stacked against him. That’s dangerous because it creates a movement based on a single person rather than ideas or principles, like respect for law, equality, or truth. It’s unsettling to see a major political party embrace this kind of loyalty to a figure, rather than to democratic ideals.
2. The Erosion of Truth
What makes a democracy work is an informed electorate. The GOP, under Trump, seems to have abandoned any commitment to truth, from blatant misinformation about the election process to downplaying or denying scientific facts. This isn’t just “spin” or bias—it’s willful deceit that leaves citizens unable to trust what’s real and undermines the very foundation of a functioning society. When people can’t even agree on basic facts, it destroys the ability to govern effectively.
3. The Hypocrisy and Double Standards
The party’s moral standards seem to change based on who’s in power. Any previous politician would’ve been expected to step down amid accusations of corruption, lies, or abuse. But for Trump, they’ve bent over backward to make excuses, even as he’s surrounded by indictments and investigations. They don’t seem to care about consistency or upholding any values—they just care about winning, and it’s a dangerous precedent when ethics are that flexible.
4. Division and Fear
Trump’s playbook has always involved pitting Americans against each other, leaning into division, rather than healing it. The GOP has been complicit in spreading fear—fear of immigrants, fear of “the other,” fear of anything that challenges the status quo. Instead of solutions, we’re getting scare tactics designed to divide and make people suspicious of each other. The GOP’s message seems to be “us vs. them,” which goes against the very idea of unity that’s supposed to define a nation.
5. Weaponizing Religion
There’s been a lot of talk about “values” and “morality” from the GOP, but it’s selectively applied. They’ve weaponized religious beliefs to justify some of their policies while turning a blind eye to Trump’s behavior, which runs counter to the values they claim to uphold. It’s one thing to talk about faith as a guide for ethical leadership; it’s another to use it as a tool for political gain and then ignore it when inconvenient.
6. The Disregard for Rule of Law and Democratic Norms
Trump and his allies have continually pushed the boundaries of what’s lawful, from the way he responded to the 2020 election results to how his supporters stormed the Capitol. It’s terrifying to see a political party dismiss or excuse actions that, a few years ago, would have been unimaginable. When politicians have no respect for the rules that bind everyone equally, they’re essentially saying that power trumps law—and that’s a recipe for chaos.
7. Lack of Genuine Policy Direction
Rather than offering real solutions or a vision for America, Trump and the GOP have mainly been about tearing down. Whether it’s healthcare, climate policy, or education, they’ve shown little interest in creating sustainable, forward-thinking policies. Instead, the agenda seems to be about erasing anything linked to progress and maintaining the status quo, rather than embracing positive change.
8. The Prioritization of Power Over the People
The ultimate point is that Trump’s GOP has stopped caring about serving the people. Everything they do seems to be about maintaining power at all costs, no matter how many lies are told, how many people are alienated, or how many democratic principles are shattered along the way. They’ve stopped being a party for the people and become a machine to prop up their own power, and that’s a disservice to everyone who depends on government to make life better.
This probably only scratches the surface, but I’d start here. The fundamental problem is that I want leaders who genuinely care about the people they’re representing. But when truth, compassion, and fairness go out the window, I can’t stand by it.
To the Traditional Republicans
There’s something I feel compelled to point out to anyone who still identifies as a “Republican” because they believe in traditional conservative values or the original Republican Party’s roots. I get that the Republican Party once stood for different ideals, but things have changed, and clinging to a label without acknowledging how it’s evolved misses the bigger picture.
Historically, yes, Democrats in the South were associated with the KKK, and there were horrible chapters of racial violence and prejudice. But let’s be real about the last few decades: those who embrace that hateful symbolism today—the Confederate flags, Nazi flags, and KKK rhetoric—aren’t flying them under a “Democratic” banner. They’re showing up as Trump supporters, as part of the far-right movement that today’s GOP won’t even fully denounce. It’s painful to watch those who see themselves as “Republicans” of a former era ignore that their party is now openly enabling, or at the very least ignoring, these voices.
Meanwhile, the GOP loves to paint Democrats as “radicals” or “comrades,” throwing around terms like “communist” or “socialist” without really examining what these words mean. If we take a truly unbiased look, it’s clear where the authoritarianism, the violent rhetoric, and the calls to overturn democratic norms are coming from—and it’s not the left. The “radical” behavior I see isn’t about caring for vulnerable communities, advocating for healthcare, or working toward equity; it’s about clinging to power with a disregard for democracy itself.
Take the term ‘socialism,’ for instance. This year, we witnessed the devastation of hurricanes in the South, and the GOP was quick to blame Biden for not providing adequate assistance, instead accusing him of sending money to Ukraine. But let’s unpack that for a moment. Isn’t the essence of socialism about the government stepping in to help those in need? If we’re calling for aid for hurricane victims, isn’t that a call for social support?
You can criticize socialism all you want, but then ask for more of it when disaster strikes. Firefighters, police, public schools, Social Security—all of these foundational services have roots in what some label ‘socialism.’ The irony is that the very systems Republicans rely on daily often stem from the same principles they denounce. The definition of ‘socialism’ for them seems to shift depending on their needs, revealing a fundamental inconsistency in their rhetoric.
People tend to inherit their beliefs, biases, and even party loyalty from previous generations, which makes sense to a point. But if you step back and look at where each party stands today without that inherited bias, the picture becomes painfully clear.
To the Veterans and those who support the Military
One thing I’ll never understand is how Trump’s supporters can call themselves “patriots” and claim to love and honor our military when their loyalty lies with a man who’s consistently disrespected the very people who serve. Trump dodged the draft, not out of principle, but because his father’s wealth got him out of it. And yet, these same supporters cheer him on while ignoring or even defending his disrespectful comments about veterans and service members.
Take his attacks on John McCain, a POW who showed real courage and strength. Trump mocked him, saying he preferred “people who weren’t captured.” And what about calling those who gave their lives for this country “losers” and “suckers”? These comments should have ended his support among people who claim to respect the military, but they just… didn’t. Instead, they’ve turned a blind eye to it all, while insisting he “loves” our troops. But loving the military isn’t about using soldiers as props or throwing them into photo ops—it’s about respecting their sacrifices and actually understanding their challenges.
The double standard here is staggering. They’ll rail against Hillary Clinton over four tragic deaths in Benghazi, painting her as some kind of enemy of the military, even though there was an investigation. But Trump? He’s disparaged veterans, lied about donating to veterans’ charities, and has done little to support real, long-term care for those who served. Yet he’s somehow earned their loyalty.
For people who claim to be “true patriots,” the willingness to overlook all this in the name of political loyalty is just unbelievable. True patriotism isn’t blind loyalty to a politician; it’s loyalty to the values and people that make this country strong. Patriotism means respect, and by that measure, Trump’s behavior should disqualify him entirely. But here we are, with a crowd still chanting his name, still pretending he stands for the military he’s used and disrespected whenever it suits him.
Historically, yes, Democrats in the South were associated with the KKK, and there were horrible chapters of racial violence and prejudice. But let’s be real about the last few decades: those who embrace that hateful symbolism today—the Confederate flags, Nazi flags, and KKK rhetoric—aren’t flying them under a “Democratic” banner. They’re showing up as Trump supporters, as part of the far-right movement that today’s GOP won’t even fully denounce. It’s painful to watch those who see themselves as “Republicans” of a former era ignore that their party is now openly enabling, or at the very least ignoring, these voices.
Meanwhile, the GOP loves to paint Democrats as “radicals” or “comrades,” throwing around terms like “communist” or “socialist” without really examining what these words mean. If we take a truly unbiased look, it’s clear where the authoritarianism, the violent rhetoric, and the calls to overturn democratic norms are coming from—and it’s not the left. The “radical” behavior I see isn’t about caring for vulnerable communities, advocating for healthcare, or working toward equity; it’s about clinging to power with a disregard for democracy itself.
People tend to inherit their beliefs, biases, and even party loyalty from previous generations, which makes sense to a point. But if you step back and look
He said he will put the best people in place for the job (last time) What do they have to say?
Let’s look at the people Trump handpicked during his presidency. He had four years in office, with two of those years in full control of Congress, and he claimed he’d drain the swamp, make real changes, and put his chosen “best people” in place. But what happened? So many of those very people—his own vice president, military generals, chiefs of staff, and top advisors—have come forward to warn us about who Trump really is. These are seasoned, dedicated Republicans, many with years of public service and loyalty to the country. And what are they saying? They’ve called him reckless, unstable, and even dangerous.
If his own trusted insiders are using words like “fascist” and “threat to democracy,” how can his supporters just dismiss that? These aren’t people with a political agenda against Trump; they’re Republicans who got an inside view of how he operates. They saw his actions, his priorities, and the real person behind the show. And they’re willing to put their careers, their reputations, and their relationships with their own party on the line to warn us.
This should be setting off alarm bells. When you have people like General James Mattis, who served as Secretary of Defense, or John Kelly, his former Chief of Staff, both saying he’s a threat, that’s serious. Even Mike Pence—his own vice president, who stayed loyal through so much—has spoken out. These are people who were right there in the room. They saw him in ways we haven’t, and they’re telling us what they saw is not just concerning but dangerous.
So why are Trump supporters so quick to defend him? Why are they still dismissing these warnings from people who were in the thick of it, who know more than any of us do? If you’re willing to ignore red flags from the people closest to him, who can convince you? True loyalty to the country means listening when experienced, respected voices warn us. It means recognizing that, at some point, the person at the center of all this might really be the problem.
Take his attacks on John McCain, a POW who showed real courage and strength. Trump mocked him, saying he preferred “people who weren’t captured.” And what about calling those who gave their lives for this country “losers” and “suckers”? These comments should have ended his support among people who claim to respect the military, but they just… didn’t. Instead, they’ve turned a blind eye to it all, while insisting he “loves” our troops. But loving the military isn’t about using soldiers as props or throwing them into photo ops—it’s about respecting their sacrifices and actually understanding their challenges.
The double standard here is staggering. They’ll rail against Hillary Clinton over four tragic deaths in Benghazi, painting her as some kind of enemy of the military, even though there was an investigation. But Trump? He’s disparaged veterans, lied about donating to veterans’ charities, and has done little to support real, long-term care for those who served. Yet he’s somehow earned their loyalty.
For people who claim to be “true patriots,” the willingness to overlook all this in the name of political loyalty is just unbelievable. True patriotism isn’t blind loyalty to a politician; it’s loyalty to the values and people that make this country strong. Patriotism means respect, and by that measure, Trump’s behavior should disqualify him entirely. But here we are, with a crowd still chanting his name, still pretending he stands for the military he’s used and disrespected whenever it suits him.
Historically, yes, Democrats in the South were associated with the KKK, and there were horrible chapters of racial violence and prejudice. But let’s be real about the last few decades: those who embrace that hateful symbolism today—the Confederate flags, Nazi flags, and KKK rhetoric—aren’t flying them under a “Democratic” banner. They’re showing up as Trump supporters, as part of the far-right movement that today’s GOP won’t even fully denounce. It’s painful to watch those who see themselves as “Republicans” of a former era ignore that their party is now openly enabling, or at the very least ignoring, these voices.
Meanwhile, the GOP loves to paint Democrats as “radicals” or “comrades,” throwing around terms like “communist” or “socialist” without really examining what these words mean. If we take a truly unbiased look, it’s clear where the authoritarianism, the violent rhetoric, and the calls to overturn democratic norms are coming from—and it’s not the left. The “radical” behavior I see isn’t about caring for vulnerable communities, advocating for healthcare, or working toward equity; it’s about clinging to power with a disregard for democracy itself.
People tend to inherit their beliefs, biases, and even party loyalty from previous generations, which makes sense to a point. But if you step back and look.
The great businessman... Really ?
I recently overheard a conversation while waiting in line to vote, where a guy behind me couldn’t stop praising Trump as a ‘great businessman’ and his genius idea of tariffs. It was almost laughable. Let’s be clear: tariffs do not benefit the average American. They increase the cost of imported goods, leading to higher grocery prices for everyone. This is essentially a tax that consumers pay, which disproportionately affects those with tighter budgets.
And let’s talk about this ‘great businessman’ image. Trump inherited about $400 million from his father, which gave him a substantial leg up, but he has spent decades engaging in questionable financial practices that call into question his business acumen. From tax schemes that allowed him to pay little to no federal income tax—reportedly just $750 in one year—to allegations of fraudulent practices, like inflating property values to secure loans and deflating them for tax benefits, his record is riddled with deceit. Moreover, there are numerous lawsuits against him for scamming people through various ventures, such as Trump University, which was accused of defrauding students out of thousands of dollars with promises of riches that never materialized. These actions reveal a pattern of exploiting the system for personal gain, leaving everyday people to bear the consequences. And we want to put that business man in charge?
Now, as he runs for president again, he’s taken this commercialization to an entirely new level. Selling hats, golden shoes, signed Bibles, and even $100,000 watches? What does that say about his priorities? This isn’t about serving the American people; it’s about profiting off his supporters’ loyalty. It’s a blatant display of capitalism at its most exploitative, leveraging his brand and image for personal gain while claiming to be a champion of the working class.
How is he relatable to the everyday person, especially those willing to take a bullet for him? He’s more of a TV celebrity than a genuine leader. His so-called charisma stems from his ability to capture attention—not from a track record of understanding or solving the real issues we face. It’s time to recognize that his brand of ‘success’ is built on manipulation and self-enrichment, not merit, and it’s certainly not the model we should aspire to.
And to all the “Crypto Bros”
Let’s talk about the crypto bros who rally around Trump simply because he has expressed a liking for Bitcoin. Really? Is that the depth of the reasoning here? The belief that he’s going to cut your taxes so you won’t have to pay capital gains taxes on your investments? How shallow is that?
Bitcoin is here to stay, regardless of who is in charge. The other side isn’t trying to take it away from you; they’re advocating for sensible regulations, just like every other new technology and advancement throughout history has undergone. This is progress. Regulations can help protect consumers and ensure a fair playing field, not stifle innovation. Does Trump even know what Bitcoin truly is, or does he see it merely as another avenue to exploit his followers, potentially launching his own fake coins or even starting a dubious exchange?
This election should not be reduced to a single issue like cryptocurrency. It’s about the future of our democracy, the principles we uphold, and the moral integrity we expect from our leaders. If you want to have Bitcoin, go ahead—no one is stopping you. But let’s not allow our political landscape to be dominated by a narrow focus on one issue when there are far more pressing concerns that affect the fabric of our society.
I consider my self an independent
I want to make one thing clear: I’m not blind to the flaws of either side. I know that Democrats aren’t perfect either, and I don’t see politics as a black-and-white, one-sided affair. But we’re in a two-party system, and when it comes down to the choices we have, there’s no question that we’re in uncharted, dangerous territory right now. Biden may not have been a thrilling option, and yes, he’s older, but he was a safer, stabilizing choice when the alternative was someone whose actions and rhetoric have only led us further into division, chaos, and disrespect on the world stage.
Honestly, what I want most is for America to feel normal again. I want us to be a country the world can respect—not because they’re scared of us, but because they trust us. We were once the nation that stood up in World War II and helped save the world from totalitarianism. Countries respected us for our role as a stabilizing force. But now? Instead of stability, our leadership is marked by unpredictability, petty vendettas, and ego-driven decisions that undermine our credibility.
To put it in perspective, if John McCain were running against Kamala Harris today, I’d probably vote for McCain. I could disagree with his policies but still trust him to lead with decency, respect for institutions, and a focus on what’s best for America, not just for himself. Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about being the right choice for stability, unity, and decency in a world that’s constantly watching.
I also get that the president alone can’t fix our day-to-day issues. A lot of the changes we need come down to Congress, the Senate, and the people we elect to represent us. But it’s also clear to me that long before Trump, the GOP had shifted from being a party that stood up for everyday Americans to one that prioritized power at any cost. Newt Gingrich’s combative, obstructionist tactics were the turning point when the GOP began focusing more on blame and division than on improving or fixing anything for regular people. That’s when I stopped seeing Republicans as the “party of the people” and started seeing them as a party committed to tearing down instead of building up.
It’s sad because I know what we could be. I know what it feels like to believe in America’s ability to lead and inspire, not just dominate. I hope we can get back there—where respect, honesty, and genuine care for all Americans aren’t seen as weaknesses, but as the strength that sets us apart.
If his own trusted insiders are using words like “fascist” and “threat to democracy,” how can his supporters just dismiss that? These aren’t people with a political agenda against Trump; they’re Republicans who got an inside view of how he operates. They saw his actions, his priorities, and the real person behind the show. And they’re willing to put their careers, their reputations, and their relationships with their own party on the line to warn us.
This should be setting off alarm bells. When you have people like General James Mattis, who served as Secretary of Defense, or John Kelly, his former Chief of Staff, both saying he’s a threat, that’s serious. Even Mike Pence—his own vice president, who stayed loyal through so much—has spoken out. These are people who were right there in the room. They saw him in ways we haven’t, and they’re telling us what they saw is not just concerning but dangerous.
So why are Trump supporters so quick to defend him? Why are they still dismissing these warnings from people who were in the thick of it, who know more than any of us do? If you’re willing to ignore red flags from the people closest to him, who can convince you? True loyalty to the country means listening when experienced, respected voices warn us. It means recognizing that, at some point, the person at the center of all this might really be the problem.
Take his attacks on John McCain, a POW who showed real courage and strength. Trump mocked him, saying he preferred “people who weren’t captured.” And what about calling those who gave their lives for this country “losers” and “suckers”? These comments should have ended his support among people who claim to respect the military, but they just… didn’t. Instead, they’ve turned a blind eye to it all, while insisting he “loves” our troops. But loving the military isn’t about using soldiers as props or throwing them into photo ops—it’s about respecting their sacrifices and actually understanding their challenges.
The double standard here is staggering. They’ll rail against Hillary Clinton over four tragic deaths in Benghazi, painting her as some kind of enemy of the military, even though there was an investigation. But Trump? He’s disparaged veterans, lied about donating to veterans’ charities, and has done little to support real, long-term care for those who served. Yet he’s somehow earned their loyalty.
For people who claim to be “true patriots,” the willingness to overlook all this in the name of political loyalty is just unbelievable. True patriotism isn’t blind loyalty to a politician; it’s loyalty to the values and people that make this country strong. Patriotism means respect, and by that measure, Trump’s behavior should disqualify him entirely. But here we are, with a crowd still chanting his name, still pretending he stands for the military he’s used and disrespected whenever it suits him.
Historically, yes, Democrats in the South were associated with the KKK, and there were horrible chapters of racial violence and prejudice. But let’s be real about the last few decades: those who embrace that hateful symbolism today—the Confederate flags, Nazi flags, and KKK rhetoric—aren’t flying them under a “Democratic” banner. They’re showing up as Trump supporters, as part of the far-right movement that today’s GOP won’t even fully denounce. It’s painful to watch those who see themselves as “Republicans” of a former era ignore that their party is now openly enabling, or at the very least ignoring, these voices.
Meanwhile, the GOP loves to paint Democrats as “radicals” or “comrades,” throwing around terms like “communist” or “socialist” without really examining what these words mean. If we take a truly unbiased look, it’s clear where the authoritarianism, the violent rhetoric, and the calls to overturn democratic norms are coming from—and it’s not the left. The “radical” behavior I see isn’t about caring for vulnerable communities, advocating for healthcare, or working toward equity; it’s about clinging to power with a disregard for democracy itself.
People tend to inherit their beliefs, biases, and even party loyalty from previous generations, which makes sense to a point. But if you step back and look
My case about history
I don’t say this lightly, but there are undeniable parallels between America’s political situation today and Germany in 1933. Back then, the German people didn’t know the full extent of what Hitler was planning. What they did know was that he tapped into their fears, gave them someone to blame, and promised them strength and prosperity. They loved him for it. Even when he crossed moral and ethical lines, his support only seemed to grow. He went to prison and became a martyr for his cause. By the time he seized power, it was too late for Germany—and the world paid a devastating price for it over the next 12 years and beyond.
What’s happening now in America feels frighteningly similar. People think it couldn’t happen here, but it absolutely can—and it’s closer than we realize. Like Germany in the ’30s, we have a leader who thrives on fear and division, who openly disrespects the democratic process and the checks and balances that hold leaders accountable. He doesn’t promise to fix the system; he promises to dismantle it, to make himself untouchable, to consolidate power in a way that undermines the very foundation of democracy. And yet, some people will support him no matter what he says or does.
Those who don’t follow history, or choose to ignore it, don’t see these patterns. Or they forget. But the parallels are glaring, and they serve as a warning. Trump isn’t here to fix anything. His priority is total power, plain and simple. And he’s not alone. Today’s GOP has made clear that they’re on the same path—anyone with the courage or morality to speak out has been pushed out or silenced. This isn’t the Republican Party of the past; it’s a party consumed by Trump’s brand of authoritarianism.
If we let this continue unchecked, we’ll look back and see that all the signs were there, just like they were in Germany. Those who have already studied this history know what comes next. We need to stop it before we’re left wondering how we let it get this far.
Honestly, what I want most is for America to feel normal again. I want us to be a country the world can respect—not because they’re scared of us, but because they trust us. We were once the nation that stood up in World War II and helped save the world from totalitarianism. Countries respected us for our role as a stabilizing force. But now? Instead of stability, our leadership is marked by unpredictability, petty vendettas, and ego-driven decisions that undermine our credibility.
To put it in perspective, if John McCain were running against Kamala Harris today, I’d probably vote for McCain. I could disagree with his policies but still trust him to lead with decency, respect for institutions, and a focus on what’s best for America, not just for himself. Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about being the right choice for stability, unity, and decency in a world that’s constantly watching.
I also get that the president alone can’t fix our day-to-day issues. A lot of the changes we need come down to Congress, the Senate, and the people we elect to represent us. But it’s also clear to me that long before Trump, the GOP had shifted from being a party that stood up for everyday Americans to one that prioritized power at any cost. Newt Gingrich’s combative, obstructionist tactics were the turning point when the GOP began focusing more on blame and division than on improving or fixing anything for regular people. That’s when I stopped seeing Republicans as the “party of the people” and started seeing them as a party committed to tearing down instead of building up.
It’s sad because I know what we could be. I know what it feels like to believe in America’s ability to lead and inspire, not just dominate. I hope we can get back there—where respect, honesty, and genuine care for all Americans aren’t seen as weaknesses, but as the strength that sets us apart.
If his own trusted insiders are using words like “fascist” and “threat to democracy,” how can his supporters just dismiss that? These aren’t people with a political agenda against Trump; they’re Republicans who got an inside view of how he operates. They saw his actions, his priorities, and the real person behind the show. And they’re willing to put their careers, their reputations, and their relationships with their own party on the line to warn us.
This should be setting off alarm bells. When you have people like General James Mattis, who served as Secretary of Defense, or John Kelly, his former Chief of Staff, both saying he’s a threat, that’s serious. Even Mike Pence—his own vice president, who stayed loyal through so much—has spoken out. These are people who were right there in the room. They saw him in ways we haven’t, and they’re telling us what they saw is not just concerning but dangerous.
So why are Trump supporters so quick to defend him? Why are they still dismissing these warnings from people who were in the thick of it, who know more than any of us do? If you’re willing to ignore red flags from the people closest to him, who can convince you? True loyalty to the country means listening when experienced, respected voices warn us. It means recognizing that, at some point, the person at the center of all this might really be the problem.
Take his attacks on John McCain, a POW who showed real courage and strength. Trump mocked him, saying he preferred “people who weren’t captured.” And what about calling those who gave their lives for this country “losers” and “suckers”? These comments should have ended his support among people who claim to respect the military, but they just… didn’t. Instead, they’ve turned a blind eye to it all, while insisting he “loves” our troops. But loving the military isn’t about using soldiers as props or throwing them into photo ops—it’s about respecting their sacrifices and actually understanding their challenges.
The double standard here is staggering. They’ll rail against Hillary Clinton over four tragic deaths in Benghazi, painting her as some kind of enemy of the military, even though there was an investigation. But Trump? He’s disparaged veterans, lied about donating to veterans’ charities, and has done little to support real, long-term care for those who served. Yet he’s somehow earned their loyalty.
For people who claim to be “true patriots,” the willingness to overlook all this in the name of political loyalty is just unbelievable. True patriotism isn’t blind loyalty to a politician; it’s loyalty to the values and people that make this country strong. Patriotism means respect, and by that measure, Trump’s behavior should disqualify him entirely. But here we are, with a crowd still chanting his name, still pretending he stands for the military he’s used and disrespected whenever it suits him.
Historically, yes, Democrats in the South were associated with the KKK, and there were horrible chapters of racial violence and prejudice. But let’s be real about the last few decades: those who embrace that hateful symbolism today—the Confederate flags, Nazi flags, and KKK rhetoric—aren’t flying them under a “Democratic” banner. They’re showing up as Trump supporters, as part of the far-right movement that today’s GOP won’t even fully denounce. It’s painful to watch those who see themselves as “Republicans” of a former era ignore that their party is now openly enabling, or at the very least ignoring, these voices.
Meanwhile, the GOP loves to paint Democrats as “radicals” or “comrades,” throwing around terms like “communist” or “socialist” without really examining what these words mean. If we take a truly unbiased look, it’s clear where the authoritarianism, the violent rhetoric, and the calls to overturn democratic norms are coming from—and it’s not the left. The “radical” behavior I see isn’t about caring for vulnerable communities, advocating for healthcare, or working toward equity; it’s about clinging to power with a disregard for democracy itself.
People tend to inherit their beliefs, biases, and even party loyalty from previous generations, which makes sense to a point. But if you step back and look
So, for me, this decision couldn’t be clearer. I know people get wrapped up in the everyday issues—gas prices, grocery bills, inflation, and all the things we’re led to believe a single leader can fix. But if we’re being honest, electing someone like Trump won’t lower gas prices or change what’s in your wallet. It just doesn’t work like that. To believe he’ll single-handedly solve our day-to-day problems is to buy into a myth. The truth is, Congress has to come together to make meaningful change, and lately, that cooperation feels like an impossible ask.
For me, these elections—like the last two—are about something much deeper: morals, ethics, decency, peace, stability, and plain common sense. They’re about the kind of country we want to be, the way we want the world to see us, and the legacy we’re leaving for future generations. I want a return to normal—not a perfect system, but one where respect, fairness, and basic decency matter.
It’s painfully sad and honestly hard to watch how close this race is. To see how easily people are swayed by shallow promises and distractions, losing sight of what’s truly at stake, is discouraging. But the choice, to me, should be obvious: it’s about defending the values that make us a nation worth believing in.
The Summary
In the end, my decision this election is clear. I’m not swayed by promises to fix every minor inconvenience or to lower costs in a way that only Congress can accomplish. Those are short-term concerns—and I know that electing a leader focused on decency, stability, and unity is the only real path toward progress. We can’t allow ourselves to get lost in distractions when the character and future of our country are on the line. This is about something far bigger than any policy disagreement or party loyalty.
As Americans, we all want a future rooted in fairness, compassion, and truth. We want to be a country that the world respects, a beacon of integrity and courage. The choice this November, like the last two elections, is not about which party offers the best economic plan or policy proposal. It’s about reclaiming America’s values—morals, ethics, and common sense. For the sake of our future and for generations to come, the path forward is clear, even if it’s a difficult one.
Let’s choose a path that leads us back to decency, respect, and unity—because at the end of the day, that’s what truly makes America strong.