I read in last week’s op/ed section one reader write about being a responsible Republican, he/she could not vote for Mr. Trump and was therefore going to vote for Mrs. Clinton. I can understand and respect that opinion. In this election, I believe it is no longer about Republican or Democrat or being a good member of either party.
It is about being a responsible citizen. I am a Republican. I admit to not doing enough early on to prevent the nomination of Mr. Trump. While I did not vote for him in the primary, that was the loudest my voice got. I normally vote along party lines in national races, a bit less so locally. Neither candidate has earned my vote. You don’t get my vote just because you are the least of two evils, it has to be earned.
Both candidates are deplorable in different ways. I think Mrs. Clinton will be far more dangerous to America. Mr. Trump lacks far too many of the moral characteristics and demeanor I look for in a president. I will be voting for neither major party candidate. Many will say it’s a wasted vote, or why vote at all.
I feel it is my duty as a citizen to exercise my right and voice in the way I see most appropriate. While the person I do vote for will likely not win, it is important for my voice to be heard. I need to hold myself accountable for my beliefs. In any case, it’s the least I can do for my two sons in teaching them a bit about some of our responsibilities as a citizen.
Alan Shashok
East Middlebury