Some people believe that being politically independent means being in lock step with the Independent party; actually, it’s quite the contrary. It means that you’re not in lock step with any party because it is not only counterproductive, it is dangerous — and Jan. 6 is a prime example of that.
I have many issues with both of the mainstream parties, for instance, I was raised to believe that the “only thing that you deserve is what you earn” therefore; I do not believe my tax dollars should pay for the unmotivated who feel entitled. Conversely, I do not believe that the wealthiest among us should pay less in taxes than the very people who are making them wealthy.
By anybody’s measure, I’m a gun enthusiast. However, I don’t believe that military-style weapons have any place among the civilian population. Further, if it takes more time for me to purchase a gun due to a more in-depth background check, so be it. I don’t have thing one to hide, and if I do, I probably shouldn’t have a gun anyway.
Like our founders, I believe in a distinct separation of church and state. To each their own as long as it doesn’t impact me.
As for the upcoming elections, I cannot support any candidate that did not forcefully come out against the Jan. 6 horror show, the 2020 “big steal” bogus claims and the constant bogus rhetoric all for the sake of a hold on power.
Despite Liz Cheney being a bit too conservative for me, I have come to admire her courage. She has more courage than the vast majority of her very own party and in the end, I hope it pays off for her.
Gerard Austin
Solon
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