From: Nathan Sapp
Columbus
Election season is upon us.
Being in a conservative area, I’m cautiously entering this mid-term.
I’ve never fully supported either major political party’s ideal and always take time to research candidates, what their promises are, if they’re the incumbent, and to verify their claims. The promises of candidates run deep and ignite hopes for better times.
Campaigning has taken a turn from what candidates will do for us, the constituents. Modern Republicans are lobbying on perceived ills of the Democratic Party. “Bidenflation,” “SJWs,” “baby-killers,” “groomers,” and other similar jargon is said loudly, freely. Our focus is intentionally distracted. What is the Republican platform?
Democrats claim to serve the public, in a positive, problem-solving way and with much less of the divisive banter. Issues like electoral integrity, living wages, public accountability, personal autonomy, education access and the jobs that follow, are all labeled as “liberal” concepts but are ideals all of us can support when we ignore the “R” or “D”.
Being conscious citizens means looking at the claims of our incumbents. They’ll have us believe Democrats are tanking our economy, allowing for indoctrination in our schools, want to overtax us, give away our federal coffers, open our borders, and so many other things that at a quick glance, sounds “socialist” or worse.
What we choose to forget is that for at least the last six years, Republicans have been in the position to legislate everything. Due to representative numbers, Republicans had minimal hurdles during President Barack Obama’s second term, free reign during President Donald Trump’s term, and within the first two years of President Joe Biden’s term, they’ve been on nearly even grounds with Democratic numbers.
During these years of Republican majority at the state and federal level, what has been achieved for constituents? I know they claim Democrats have done terrible things during this time, but how, if under their watch?
I say lies. Six to eight years of control, and Republicans blame Democrats for issues that, if true, should have been addressed during their majority.
What I’ve seen during that majority includes bailouts for big business (PPP) and reworked tax codes benefitting corporations. Nearly unchecked police brutality. Court-authorized gerrymandering. Privacy rights eroding. Attacks against our education system for critical instruction rather than following dogmatic pedagogy. Representatives vote against the health care our military needs. I see self-serving bigotry from legislators who claim a moral high ground but act like schoolyard bullies.
Are you ready for change? Only one platform plans for the future.
If representatives haven’t fulfilled their campaign promises and won’t listen to constituents, isn’t it time to elect leaders who will?
Maybe a change won’t bring what my children deserve, but the old way isn’t working. I’m willing to give new people a chance.
How about you? Status quo, or something reflective of your needs?
Choose the hypocrisy we live in or the change we desire. Vote, before that privilege is taken away too.
Editor’s note: This letter is paid political content. It is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Editor’s note: This letter is paid political content. It is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
