I spent over five decades as a Republican, including serving as an Arietta Republican Committeeman.
Professionally I dedicated 38 years to public education. During this time, as a teacher and administrator, emphasis was focused not only on curriculum, but also on societal values. These included, but were not limited to honesty, integrity, compassion, and empathy to others.
The campaign of 2016 brought Donald Trump, who mocked a physically disabled reporter, denigrated a Gold Star Family, attacked and disrespected women, and raised dishonesty to new heights.
My Republican Party left me. I could no longer support the new values and enrolled as a proud Independent. I am now free to not be bound by believes that are foreign to my being.
As a nation we are now at record levels of national debt threatening our grandchildren’s futures. It acceptable to dishonor veterans, mocked worldwide by our former allies, and embrace terrorist enemies.
We were promised “beautiful, affordable” healthcare to replace the ACA (Obamacare) for the last four years.
Instead we endured partisan votes to repeal, court challenges, and with no plan to replace it. I contacted Representative Elise Stefanik about the negative impact on our local rural hospitals, the local workforce and population served by Lexington, Sunmount, and Liberty Enterprises. The impact on revenue from Medicare and Medicare would devastate our region, part of the NY21 Congressional District.
In return I received a form letter stating that “experts” told her that it would be better for all. When I pressed her name those “experts “ I never received a reply.
We are now in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic which has cost 220,000 American lives and eight million persons infected. American veterans and war dead are labeled “loser,” “suckers” and deafening silence on the issue of Russians paying bounties on American soldiers. Wayne Smith, a dear friend, who gave his life while serving in Vietnam and the many others who served our nation throughput American History deserve much better. Their sacrifices should never be referred to as “sucker” or “losers” by their Commander in Chief and by the deafening silence by a congresswoman.
My late mother said “you are judged by the company you keep.” This is appropriate to Donald Trump and Elise Stefanik. Therefore I will be supporting Joe Biden and Tedra Cobb on Nov. 3.
JOHN W. SIMONS
Piseco
