Control your destiny — vote

Dear editor:

Institutions that should be considered above reproach have fallen prey to endorsing and supporting issues from the 45th president that questions the foundation of everything in their belief system. You would have to think carefully regarding how and why Christian conservatives, and specifically their leaders, justify their support given 45’s personal and presidential demeanor. Are they willing to sell their souls to achieve specific goals as it relates to abortion, the Supreme Court and the future of SCOTUS. Even if any one of the issues identified in question was credible, the preponderance of concerns in total is alarming.

The inaction or unquestioned support and seeming justification of 45’s presidential demeanor, statements and actions are unbelievable and if biblical beliefs are the foundation for their actions, Christian conservatives have no rights to the moral high ground, as is evident by the degree of unimaginable hypocrisy. Then there is the dog whistle politics that keeps some of party’s fringe groups in check, words like MAGA, Charlottesville, full pardons, birthers, Obamacare, Southern white house, etc. Enough is enough.

When power is consolidated to one party, the desire or need to compromise on issues no longer exists and views that could be considered extreme have an environment for serious discussions and unfortunately enacted into law. When that power is not managed with a vision that considers and includes the masses, we are doomed to failure.

The most effective way to begin the effort to regain a sustainable balance to allow our society to thrive is to vote. You must understand the issues and understand how you and your family can be impacted, how laws affecting Social Security and Medicare are being undermined. Understanding the implications of the national debt and deficit voted in by the Republicans. Even reasonably thinking Republicans realize that the direction the country is going cannot be sustained or justified. We must vote to regain a degree of accountability and balance to literally save our Union.

You have given the present political party the opportunity to lead and it’s not working, they have failed. Change is necessary; if not now, when? If not us, who? Republican leadership has to be challenged. Democrats, independents and reasonable Republicans have to vote for a new vision and road map. If over 18, you need to be registered so you can vote. If you need help, contact someone you trust or talk to community leaders and resources.

We need to embrace diversity, which is not a weakness but a strength of our democracy, which has been considered the gold standard for the world, which may be losing some of its luster. Women, minorities, immigrants and the other groups that make this country great have stepped up and want to serve and have a lot to offer. One quality that all candidates must exemplify is integrity, and in matters of style, comfortable with their message and in matters of principle, stand like a rock. Support for them and their position will manifest itself.

Your next opportunity to define yourself to ensure your issues are addressed is the local election scheduled for May 22 and again in November. Know the candidates, the issues, their motivation to serve and vote your informed conscious for positive change, because our future depends on it. Register and control your destiny, vote! Jeff Stamps Hot Springs