Yesterday I resigned my position in the York Township Republican Committeemen’s Organization. Below is the letter I sent to the chairman explaining my decision.
***********
Chairman Cuzzone:
We come together in political parties to magnify our influence. An organized representative institution can give weight to our will in ways we could not accomplish on our own. Working with others gives us power, but at the cost of constant, calculated compromise. No two people will agree on everything. There is no moral purity in politics.
If compromise is the key to healthy politics, how does one respond when compromise descends into complicity? To preserve a sense of our personal moral accountability we must each define boundaries. For those boundaries to have meaning we must have the courage to protect them, even when the cost is high.
Almost thirty years ago as a teenager in Texas, I attended my first county Republican convention. As a college student I met a young Rick Perry, fresh from his conversion to the GOP, as he was launching his first campaign for statewide office. Through Associated Republicans of Texas I contributed and volunteered for business-friendly Republican state and local candidates.
Here in DuPage County I’ve been a precinct committeeman since 2006. Door to door I’ve canvased my precinct in support of our candidates. Trudging through snow, using a drill to break the frozen ground, I posted signs for candidates on whom I pinned my hopes for better government. Among Illinois Republicans I found an organization that seemed to embody my hopes for the party nationally. Pragmatic, sensible, and focused on solid government, it seemed like a GOP Jurassic Park, where the sensible, reliable Republicans of old still roamed the landscape.
At the national level, the delusions necessary to sustain our Cold War coalition were becoming dangerous long before Donald Trump arrived. From tax policy to climate change, we have found ourselves less at odds with philosophical rivals than with the fundamentals of math, science and objective reality.
The Iraq War, the financial meltdown, the utter failure of supply-side theory, climate denial, and our strange pursuit of theocratic legislation have all been troubling. Yet it seemed that America’s party of commerce, trade, and pragmatism might still have time to sober up. Remaining engaged in the party implied a contribution to that renaissance, an investment in hope. Donald Trump has put an end to that hope.
From his fairy-tale wall to his schoolyard bullying and his flirtation with violent racists, Donald Trump offers America a singular narrative – a tale of cowards. Fearful people, convinced of our inadequacy, trembling before a world alight with imaginary threats, crave a demagogue. Neither party has ever elevated to this level a more toxic figure, one that calls forth the darkest elements of our national character.
With three decades invested in the Republican Party, there is a powerful temptation to shrug and soldier on. Despite the bold rhetoric, we all know Trump will lose. Why throw away a great personal investment over one bad nominee? Trump is not merely a poor candidate, but an indictment of our character. Preserving a party is not a morally defensible goal if that party has lost its legitimacy.
Watching Ronald Reagan as a boy, I recall how bold it was for him to declare ‘morning again’ in America. In a country menaced by Communism and burdened by a struggling economy, the audacity of Reagan’s optimism inspired a generation.
Fast-forward to our present leadership and the nature of our dilemma is clear. I watched Paul Ryan speak at Donald Trump’s convention the way a young child watches his father march off to prison. Thousands of Republican figures that loathe Donald Trump, understand the danger he represents, and privately hope he loses, are publicly declaring their support for him. In Illinois our local and state GOP organizations, faced with a choice, have decided on complicity.
Our leaders’ compromise preserves their personal capital at our collective cost. Their refusal to dissent robs all Republicans of moral cover. Evasion and cowardice has prevailed over conscience. We are now, and shall indefinitely remain, the Party of Donald Trump.
I will not contribute my name, my work, or my character to an utterly indefensible cause. No sensible adult demands moral purity from a political party, but conscience is meaningless without constraints. A party willing to lend its collective capital to Donald Trump has entered a compromise beyond any credible threshold of legitimacy. There is no redemption in being one of the “good Nazis.”
I hereby resign my position as a York Township Republican committeeman. My thirty-year tenure as a Republican is over.
Sincerely,
Chris Ladd
Postscript – Needless to say, the response to the letter has been stunning and overwhelming. I want to express my gratitude to the people who have shared so many kind thoughts. It was my intention to reply to each of the emails I’ve received, but I was snowed under by late last night and they keep piling up.
Some of the warmest regards have come from right here in suburban Chicago. When I posted this letter I was prepared to face some anger here at home from fellow Republicans. Nothing of the kind has materialized. The only official response from the local GOP so far has been support, for which I am immensely grateful. It gives me hope. We may all come out of this debacle in better condition.
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Chris Ladd is a Texan living in the Chicago area. He has been involved in grassroots Republican politics for most of his life. He was a Republican precinct committeeman in suburban Chicago until he resigned from the party and his position after the 2016 Republican Convention. He can be reached at gopliferchicago at gmail dot com.
GOPLifer 
[…] Read the full letter here. […]
As a Democrat/Independent I applaud your truthfulness. Over the years even though I disagreed with some Republican stances, there were those Republicans I could respect. Today though there are far fewer Republicans I can respect. I believe you would have been a Republican that I would respect even though we may disagree on some issues. I also believe that even though we might disagree we could find a common ground in the interest of the public good. I wish you the best and respect you for your stand.
Well said.
Eloquent and unequivocally expressed. Thank you for your refreshing courage, candor and integrity.
my comment is not needed; so many of them reflect my own response. but numbers count, so i will add them: a deeply thoughtful and wise reflection on the DJT fiasco, on politics, on civitas, on integrity. I could never BE a Republican, nor agree with so much of their basic ideology and philosphy, but there are specific actions that can be supported by both parties that would advance our society and make progress toward social justice. Thank you for your courage and your integrity. P.S. it sounds as if you are/were a Republican out of habit. You should take a long look at what the Democrats are saying and doing. Perhaps you might find a home there.
“Despite the bold rhetoric, we all know Trump will lose.”
Lol. Someone needs to get out of the Chicago area once in a while. Behold the Trumpening!
Salute! I was once a Republican also
Dear Mr. Ladd,
I’ll make this short and sweet: RESPECT.
Kudos to you, sir.
Peace,
A life-long Liberal
I have been a life long Liberal as well and proud of the fact that I have witnessed the Republican party when it was a real party. I’m 72 years old and remember well the compromise that all sides agreed on. That Republican party put country and “we the people” before anything else and they were true to our Constitution, Bill of Rights (for all), Freedom of Choice and Separation of Church and State which have been the binding glue that has held this country above all others for well over 200 plus years! Our Forefathers created those documents to rid any oppression of thoughts, words and anything that freedom allows yet today we see and hear everyday the GOP and supporters attempting to take rights away from certain citizens, groups and movements that deal with the “Right to Choose” for ourselves how, when and with whom we create our own lives without interference from Government, Churches, groups or individuals who have decided that they alone are right but not just right for themselves they are now including the whole country! If someone like Trump wins the White House everyone of his followers is going to lose their rights right along with the rest of us and that’s when things turn ugly! I too see “RESPECT” from Mr Ladd on his decision I agree with his decision but he will be ostracized by most of his used to be friends but that only means that those friendships were only superficial at best! I applaud his courage for stepping forward with his decision to tell it like it truly is in today’s political party of the GOP for they are no longer user friendly in any respect. The party of “Just say NO” has had their chance to work for the betterment of all citizens but instead has chosen to only think of themselves behind hatred, bigotry and the total disdain for every person in this country except for their rich friends and their own bank accounts. The GOP of today is exactly why our forefathers created those documents so many years ago for they were coming from places that were under kingship’s and other dictators like the Church who did not allow the common man the freedom of choosing for themselves and more often than not there were extreme harsh penalties for not obeying which is precisely what the far right wants to take us back too…….and that’s when the fight starts!!!!!!!!!!
Well said! There may still be Republicans of my parents and grandparents day out there.
Thank you for your courage to speak up and not be another doormat to be stepped on and swept away.
The more corrupt establishment hacks that resign, the better. Saves us the trouble of kicking you out. And citing f–king ILLINOIS as some bastion of solid republican gov’t? Is this the Onion?
No, nor is it the Yahoo comments section, which is better suited to the likes of you.
^
Amen, Cowcharge.
Thanks for taking a stand. Sometimes resigning is the only way to state a position so that people notice it.
My fears are similar to yours, I think. I fear the collapse of the Republican party, resulting in a process dominated by one party. Although I am a Democrat, I don’t think a lopsided balance of power is healthy. I jumped parties to vote for John Kasich, because I think he’s a good man. I’m sad to see the Republicans go down this path. The best thing that can happen for the Republican party, IMO, is for Trump to lose the election. Then over the next 4 years, the party will need to work hard to find its soul, because I think it has been losing it for a very long time. I look forward to a healthy and constructive debate about ways to move this country forward (not backward) in the year 2020.
If that story of Kasich’s refusal to do all the heavy lifting for Trump, while Trump just did all the ceremonial stuff is even just 25% true, I’m impressed by his integrity.
Hi Chris,
Your statement that “Our leaders’ compromise protects their personal capital at our collective cost. Their refusal to dissent robs all Republicans of moral cover” is, I believe, a true one. It is incumbent upon each one of us to voice and vote our conscience. Thank you for standing up.
–Michelle Clement
i am not a Republican, although i can respect your definition of a party you stood with for much of your career. But I sincerely respect your courageous decision to resign your position and withdraw your support for the party at this time, and to refuse complicity with Donald Trump. YOU , sir, are a leader. It baffles many that this man has risen to his current heights. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Of course this maxim should be modified for the variable that many individuals grow and change, learning from past mistakes, becoming wiser, making more solid judgements with maturity. But Mr. Trump offers no evidence of growth and change in his fundamental character and personality. Neither does he seem to have brought forward any business associates who can speak for his integrity across his many real estate and other transactions as a businessman Nor even any longtime friends. He seems fundamentally to have spent his adult life in pursuit of his own self interest and solely that. He has pursued notoriety at every turn, feasting on attention, often negative attention. His modus operandi is – and has always been – that of the bully. He seems to be quite proud of this, to regard it as right and necessary alpha male tactics, toward the goal of being the big man around town, “king of the hill and top of the heap’ (to quote from the musical “Cabaret”) , piling on his “artful” deals. He has never to my knowledge shown any interest in public service, or in the struggles of fellow Americans on down the line through middle to blue collar to disenfranchised or poor citizens – from his three story Penthouse perch atop Trump Tower. He is not a philanthropist, which even the great “robber barons” certainly could claim to be – Carnegie, Vanderbilt. What in Gods good name does this man have to offer as a leader, and of all posts , President of the United States of America? Demagoguery. Showmanship. Oh – he says whatever he wants – sadly confusing his admirers into thinking he is strong and will look out for them.When very often, he is simply indulging his inherent tendency to provoke and test boundaries. This is much more in line with adolescent behavior than that of a strong committed focussed leader. His lack of patience and restraint and impulsive ramblings and rabble rousing are quite obviously cause for deep concern. I’m sure a whole peanut gallery of critics will try to bring you down, Chris. If the big man himself hears of your “betrayal” he’ll christen you with a tasty insult and set his “fans” screaming on you. How easy and (and often sleazy) it is in this age to be a “hater” . No consequences, attention,, self righteous indignation.. lack of reflection and empathy.. . Thank you again, Chris Ladd, on behalf of many who support you, for your integrity, for standing with your conscience.No one can take that away from you.
Note(i see here that personal information is required to post this comment. i am not interested in getting into a comment thread, or any debates. My purpose here was to write you and to thank you. So i hope my information will not be used for other purposes.
Sadly, many people live vicariously through him. Don’t know who I’m quoting here: “He’s a loser’s idea of what a winner looks like.”
Great quote. I’m always astounded when I hear people call him a great businessman.
A great businessman may fail at some things but he doesn’t do it to game the system. He also doesn’t go on TV instead of tending to his businesses.
He’s a parasite-capitalist. He always gets paid, even if everyone else loses their shirts.
jso2897 on FARK said that. I’m stealing.
well now i’m in the comment thread,( doesn’t matter. the level of dialogue is more enlightened than i anticipated) just to say – “flypusher” thats a good quote. i’ve noticed he often forgets what he’s actually up there babbling about and speaks of the electorate as his “fans” – which says everything about his confounding of reality /reality show and his thirst for adulation. its tragicomic.
Great quote. I’m stealing it, if you don’t mind. I would attribute it to you if I knew your real name.
I “stole” the quote myself, but I suspect the author would be quite happy to see it spread.
Thank you for providing hope in this difficult time through voicing your conscience and example of true integrity. You are a light on the hill among current Republicans.
To the utmost., Ms. Keyser, I appreciate your gracious and thoughtful response to Chris Ladd’s lettert of resignation. It is a rare pleasure, indeed, to read political observatiions as literate and erudite as yours. Thank you, Ms. Keyeer, for sharing with me your keen and perceptive declarations.
thank you very much, F. Keith Trantow. I had earlier today gotten caught up somehow in a conversation concerning the ghost writer of The Art of the Deal, which degenerated into a volley of insults and vulgar one upmanship. I’ve been careful to stay clear of strong opinions on Facebook for this very reason. The insults were not directed at me, but still it was a disheartening exercise, and i made my exit. I had simply suggested people read some articles written about DT in the 80’s and early 90’s, as they are nonpartisan, and elucidate the reputation of Mr. Trump in his “heyday”.. Ie, do a little research at least before spouting off, which ever way it may lead one. But then I caught sight of this wonderful letter by Chris Ladd, and like many others here, it lifted me a little, and I had to thank him! You might also enjoy the comment by Dr. Robert A. Boshes, who describes himself as “a 76 year old psychiatrist, an old progressive and teacher at Harvard Medical School” I mean yes, the credentials do impress, but he is truly erudite and I was greatly lifted up by his comment, although reflecting painful current realities.. Well, thank you again, you are very polite!
Hey, Marjorie, Google (or better yet, Nexus) the cop who lost his job at this insistence of the Obama administration after he criticized Black Lives Matter. That really happened. You (and Chris Ladd) make assumptions of what Trump will do. I’ll tell you some things he’ll do and won’t do but liberals such as you won’t like it. Trump will secure our southern border, he will fight Islamist terrorism on a continual basis, using combat troops if necessary, he’ll instruct Congress on Day One to do away with the (Un)Affordable Care Act, he’ll tell the butchers at Planned Parenthood to raise their own money, government grants are over, he will protect the 1st Amendment religious freedom rights of those of use who don’t recognize two homosexuals as husband and wife; he will cut taxes across the board; he will eventually balance the budget and not add to the debt as Obama did and he’ll combat the trade imbalances that are thwarting our economy. He WON’T allow his IRS to harass liberal groups, he won’t put classified material on his personal e-mail. He won’t lie — or allow his Secretary of State to lie — about the cause of an attack on Americans by Islamists terrorists. These are all things that Barry and Hillary have done that apparently, neither you nor Chris Ladd had any problem with.
Gosh, Edward, are you certain that you aren’t talking about God?
thank you for the suggestion. i will google the incident regarding the cop. if that occurred obviously unjust. i was listening to the African American Chief of Police of Milwaukee – he’s well known, quite outspoken regarding Black Lives Matter movement as endangering lives of police and public . I found him to be very impressive. Please sir, do not refer to me as
” liberals like you” who you will tell “some things (I / Chris Ladd) won’t like” You know nothing about me sir. You do not know i am a “liberal” And as far as assumptions as to what Trump will do? There is little empirical evidence -only an aspired agenda laid out in his speech several nights ago. You seem to be determined to enumerate your expectations for the candidate which is perfectly fair, only you seem aggressively rigid and close minded, and also to be blaming what i represent to you for damaging our country. It is you who are making assumptions. When again, sir, you know nothing of me, only that i am deeply concerned as to Donald Trumps fitness for the office of the President of the United States, and my concerns are shared by many who are good Americans invested in our countrys strength and good health and good standing, whatever their party affiliation. It’s one thing to just “have out with” the way you’re determined its going to be”, well obviously thats your right. But don’t be snide toward me please. or pretend you’re listening to anything i said.
Whatever floats your boat! I can’t believe you could go to Hillary’s side after all you know about, she makes Satan look like a saint!
Margie, we have standards here. Provide evidence of your claim. Are you using the same scale the pope uses?
Maybe she’s still short of breath from all the yelling at Christie’s kangaroo court session.
This is sad because you are the type of Republican this country needs. But I respect the strength of character it takes to make these realizations about the party. I hope more intelligent and good people like yourself become the norm of a party we can work with. – Lifelong Democrat
Finally, someone with moral courage. When I hear people say they are supporting a candidate just because they have a D or an R after their name, I am disappointed. I have friends who HATE Donald Trump but they “have to” vote for him, because he claims to be a Republican. What is a Republican (rhetorical question). Can you imagine Ronald Reagan, even George H.W. Bush, Dwight D. Eisenhower watching that. You didn’t leave the GOP first; they left you.
“By their acts ye shall know them.”
CHRIS LADD,
ALTHOUGH YOUR RESIGNATION WILL LEAVE A GREAT HOLE IN THE PARTY, YOUR
COURAGE TO STATE (SO ELOQUENTLY) YOUR CONVICTIONS MUST BE APPLAUDED.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH PARTY MEMBERS THAT HAVEN’T THE COURAGE TO SPEAK
FREELY ABOUT THE STATE OF THE PARTY.
THE REPUBLICANS HAVE HAD LOUD OPINIONS ABOUT CLIMATE, TRADE ISSUES,
OUR ECONOMY, TERRORISM…BUT NOT ONE MEMBER CAN COME FORWARD AGAINST THE NOMINEE. NOT EVEN A BLIP TO START A CONVERSATION.
COWARDS ALL!!!
I LEFT THE PARTY 4+ YEARS AGO AND ALL OF THIS JUST CONFIRMS MY
DECISION.
AGAIN, THANKS CHRIS FOR YOUR BOLDNESS.
BILLIE
Dear Mr. Ladd. I congratulate you for your honesty and bravery. This election is bordering on insanity. You should be proud that you stood up to the bi-partisan phonies and liars who apparently have no conscious. Don’t worry, there will come a day in the not-to-distant future, where you will be applauded for following your heart. Republicans like you, John Kasich and Mitt Romney and many more should be proud that they have decided not to vote for Donald Trump. Hang in there! Although I am not a republican, I feel relieved to know their are many like you who refuse to accept the status quo!!! KUDOS! Sincerely, Diane Del Greco
Well said. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you for your honesty and courage.
Thank you, Chris, for your eloquent, heart-felt, rational post. People like you are truly what make America great.
IF you are enjoying the debate online, or anything online for that matter, here’s what Trump said last December about the INTERNET:
” We’re losing a lot of people because of the Internet and we have to do something. We have to go see Bill Gates and a lot of different people that really understand what’s happening. We have to talk to them, maybe in certain areas closing that Internet up in some way.
Somebody will say, ‘oh, freedom of speech, freedom of speech.’ These are foolish people… we’ve got to maybe do something with the Internet because they are recruiting by the thousands, they are leaving our country and then when they come back, we take them back.”
Well written Chris. Unfortunately, I felel we are in the minotity. Hopefully, I am wrong
Randal Menard
Economists, life long politicos and sociology experts don’t know what they are talking about in regards to Trump being president.
He’s not owned by anyone.
His do, man.
That supple, pink skin.
$$$$
That almost Hilter youth thing.
Trump is our guy.
Vote Trump, 2016.
And while you’re at it, go ahead and relenquish those 2020 and 2024 votes. You won’t need em cause our boy Trump is gonna eliminate term limits for president. He IS the best, right?
This lifelong Democrat thanks you.
So eloquent and transparently sensible. Thank you. I hope others take your message. I’ve shared this with my hundreds of FB friends and hope they will pass it along. You are a true American!
Mr Ladd thank you for writing what so many of us feel. I personally am frightened to death at the thought of a Trump victory as I feel no good can come of it. I see it as the nazi party claiming America there are so many signs that people are ignoring it takes a letter like yours to open people’s eyes and break the spell.
Wow, Paul. Your response to Chris with all the name calling reflects Trump to the ‘T’. Maybe, instead of throwing out the ‘C’ words, you should take a look at the reasoning why Chris feels as he does Chris has every right to do what is right for him and his party. Have you ever held office and believed so much in your party that you would do everything in your power to support it to ensure that those who hold office are not a deterrent to the cause? Well, if not, then you should go back to being the armchair quaterback position and realize that Trump is the deterrent and he will do nothing for the party, but be an embarrassment. Good luck to you Paul and be careful of the language you use for the description of a woman.
Chris Ladd,
Congratulations! I have done the same thing you are doing. I really liked Eisenhower (especially when he called the Nation Guard to Little Rock!) and even Thomas Dewey. Bob Dole would have made a good President, and I think George H.W. Bush did a very fine job. He just forgot the term was 4 years and not three – or he would have been re-elected.
I’m not thrilled with the Democrats either, but have MUCH MORE in common with those I have met. We must solder on through this difficult period of our history to reconstruct our Nation on the basis of “justice and economic fairness.”
Blessings, David K (Kalamazoo)
So now you’ve found your conscience? Sorry to be a little hard on you considering you feel betrayed by your party identity.
Where was your conscience when the Busch administration proposed and engaged in war in Iraq? How about the Patriot Act? Bank bailouts in 2008? Bloating government, massive budget deficits, an exploding debt during GOP incumbencies? To a principled conservative, does any of this makes sense? I can’t stand Trump either, but Trump is the product of a party that’s been rotting from the inside out for a long time. Had you – and other recent defectors – found your conscience sooner, Trump would not be the nominee now.
I hope you find your soul, but it won’t be found in politics. Best wishes to you.
Yes, it is hilarious that these cucks dont realize their policies over the last 25 years created the Trump phenomenon. But I like it!
The c-word. Looks like the KKK is representing.
God bless America and God help us all.I am scared to death of whats happening to our country.
TO MR LADD: BRAVO FOR HAVING THE GUTS TO STATE YOUR CONSCIENCE AND VALUES AND RESIGN FROM THE REPUBLICAN PARTY! YOU ARE A HERO IN MY BOOK! ONCE UPON A TIME, SINCE 1976, I VOTED FOR REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES. I NO LONGER VOTE FOR REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES! TODAY, AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, I WILL NOT VOTE FOR REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES! WHY HAVE I MADE THESE STATEMENTS? THE REASON THAT I HAVE MADE THESE STATEMENTS IS NOT BECAUSE I LEFT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY! THE REASON THAT I HAVE MADE THESE STATEMENTS IS BECAUSE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, ESPECIALLY THE TRUMP/ TEA PARTY VERSION OF THE PARTY, HAS LEFT ME!! UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE I WILL 1.) VOTE MY CONSCIENCE REGARDING ANY POLITICAL CANDIDATE (AS STATED BY TED CRUZ AT THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION) AND 2.) VOTE FOR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
Remarkable letter. The world takes on fresh and good meaning when a person like Chris Ladd speaks eloquently of the dangers of a person like Donald Trump becoming America’s version of Adolph Hitler. So many of the older people I know and trust feel this way. Thank you, Chris Ladd.
As a Canadian, I have often thought that the United States might benefit from a third political party, like we have here, as it seems many Americans aren’t happy with either the Republicans, or the Democrats. Mr. Ladd, I think you sound like someone who might make a good leader himself! I read your letter on Facebook, as an L.A. Journalist wrote about it in a post. Clearly there is a need for change, but also for cooler heads to prevail. Donald Trump and his followers, have some frightening, racist and intolerant ideas for America’s future. I hope more of your former colleagues search their consciences, because I’m not entirely convinced Mr. Trump will lose. I applaud your decision to resign; and find your reasons sensible and commendable. You also craft a very fine letter! A lost art these days.
Revolting against change is a sure sign of aging.I Stand With TRUMP ! Marjan Grace Farnay
Revolting against change for the worse is a hallmark of intelligence. Hillary is the better choice, and I will vote for her.
Hopefully the people who plan to back a third party know what will happen if the third party gets enough votes to throw the election into the House -yep, with a Republican Congress, Trump would become president.
I’m sure that’s what the Germans said in 1933
Perhaps the ageist comment you used speaks of your immaturity. Rather than disparage aging you might want to consider the well proven adage … “With age comes wisdom” Voting for change for the sake of change shows little wisdom especially when the change contemplated is so blatantly contraindicated to the values of what America should be espousing. Voting for a person who claims “I am the only one that can fix America” is self serving megalomaniac wannabe dictator. Only a united country can fix America and not a hateful, childish, racist, misogynistic, bigoted, fear mongering bully. Perhaps you should read the entire resignation letter because his reasons for leaving is because Trump’s ideology is not the least indicative of Republican values as he expressed so eloquently. It appears that you aren’t the least concerned about giving up your dignity unless you are one of the “bad Nazis” and not even close to being a “good Nazi” as Mr. Ladd cites in his closing remarks:
A party willing to lend its collective capital to Donald Trump has entered a compromise
beyond any credible threshold of legitimacy. There is no redemption in being one of the
“good Nazis.”
I’ve seen this type of candidate coming on for quite awhile. For years I have attended a very fundamental church. The majority of the church members think Trump is great all because of the abortion issue. Ben Carson had the audacity to play the role of Lucifer; Ben accused, tried, and convicted one of God’s children. From my reading and understanding of the scriptures, even God the Father doesn’t tread on that authority. That power He gave to his Son, who alone has been given the power to judge us all.
Paul Stewart you have a filthy mouth with nothing meaningful to say.President Obama is not a Muslim sympathizer, he has led this country for nearly eight years bravely and with great success for the people. Chris Ladd is a brave man to take the road he did, after serving loyally for over 20 years with the Republican Party, the cowards are people that are in the party now, see they picked wrong but did nothing about it.
Very sorry your party has let you down. There are valid and valuable issues and resolutions that need to be discussed between two active parties, but we do not seem to be in that position. I’m not sure when we’ll get there, but this won’t be the season.
So says the backstabbing cunt (I’mm talking to YOU, Paul Stuart) who would literally sell our entire nation down the river, who would literally vote for HITLER REINCARNATED if he had an (R) after his name, than actually admit to yourself that YOU and The Great Conservative Lie are what has destroyed this great country and DO something to change it.
I SPEAK FOR AMERICA when I say this:
FUCK YOU PAUL. FUCK YOU AND EVERY CONSERVATIVE ASSHOLE RIGHT BACK TO REAGAN WHO HAS DRAGGED AMERICA DOWN INTO THIS CESSPOOL OF CORRUPTION.
Just what is The Great Conservative Lie and just how did Our Greatest President and “every conservative asshole” drag “America down into the cesspool of corruption?” What blatant ignorance you display! Great language, too. Soooooooooo typical liberal!
I can’t speak for the OP but the Great Conservative Lie I think of is that conservatives are good for the middle class.
If you look at income equality measures, most of those start to look bad for the middle class starting in the middle of the Reagan administration. I also look at who voted to uphold Citizens United which has poured more big money into our elections and strongly suggested that corporations are people. (People who can’t be drafted or sent to jail.) Also the people who suffered most under the 2008 recession are probably the working classes and since the Great Recession can be attributed in part to the Bush administration being uninterested in putting any enforcement on Wall Street.
If we’re talking about conservatives are good for national security, I think 9/11 makes a liar out of you.
Some of those policies looked good on paper in the beginning but it’s the defense of them after they’re shown to be harmful that the Republicans fail.
Okay… I’m not going to read all the comments made, and I’ don’t approve of the Neanderthal obscenities used by some of the previous responders. But I have just one question to ask every Republican, Conservative or not.
Do you believe that George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, lied to the American People, and purposely falsified intelligence in order to wage an illegal war in Iraq? Iraq who is/was a sovereign nation who had not attacked the United States or had instigated the United States in any manner that would have justified the United States to wage a legal war at that particular time in our Country’s history. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney pursued a U.S. Constitutional change through Congress using known falsified intelligence in order to accomplish their goal.
George W. Bush and Dick Cheney are “War Criminals”. By waging an illegal war in Iraq they put our Sons and Daughters lives in “Harm’s Way”. They also created the first 10 Trillion Dollars of our current National Debt. And that equates to “Acts of Sedition and Treason” by both of them for crimes against our U.S. Constitution, and every U.S. citizen by the manner of putting every U.S. citizen in “Harm’s Way” both financially and physically in the causation of further terrorist acts of violence against the United States of America.
George W. Bush and Dick Cheney also set the gears in place that became the vacuum that created ISIS. And to say Barack Obama’s early draw-down of U.S. troops solely created the ISIS vacuum is absurd and naive if that is your thought or response. The ISIS vacuum and build-up lies directly on George W. Bush and Dick Cheney’s shoulders.
Are you ready to admit and convict these two pillars of Republican values?
I will defend America all the way to my death, our collective values, and our way of life. But I will not – not speak the truth as I see it.
I feel sorry for you In that you can’t stomach our nominee Donald Trump. How can you not look at his family, ex wives, thousands and thousands of Project Managers, employees who he employees, a mayor of New York City, scores of people he has helped anonymously and
Millions of people who he has brought into the Republican Party.
Obviously nothing he has accomplished can change your opinion of him, but you are gambling with Our Nations survival.
He is not owned by George Soros, not the Tri-lateral comm. the Bildebergers don’t own him, he’s free from any of these globalist organisations that will own our country if Hileary or another established republican.
Go ahead, not vote or vote for someone else but you will certainly see more deterioration of this country, it’s in our hands do right this Country and I for one will. Fight for it, elect those who will fight to regain HER strengths.
Can you elaborate on the “scores of people he helped?” He’s not “owned” by anyone but himself, which makes him more dangerous as a future dictator. He’s not accountable to anyone and if you think he cares about anyone but himself (and his buddy’s the Clinton’s) you’re delusional at best. Yes, he’s been close ally’s with the Clinton’s since Bill was in office. For the record, I do not support Hillary either.
Also, he’ not bringing people to the Republican part. Quite the opposite, more are leaving the party. Can you give a citation on any of these “facts” you are stating?
What does all of the people you mentioned that own Hillary Clinton have in common with Donald Trump? M O N E Y! He is corrupt with corporate money of his own. He does not need other corporations to support his brand of corruption. He has his own money. This is purely about money and who can best preserve the wealth of the wealthy off the back of poor fools. Just like you do not understand this lifelong Republicans resignation you probably celebrate my decision to stay away from the polls. Because in either instance I am damned if I do and damned if I don’t. I refuse to contribute to my own oppression.
Well, if you think Donald Trump does anything anonymously, I feel sorry for you.
And no one has found any evidence of his charitable giving at all.
As for those people he’s brought into the Republican party, as a Democrat, may I say how you’re welcome to them?
Thank you from a former Republican turned Democrat almost 30 years ago.
Looks like a few trolls have been zapped- no tears shed on my part. You people who want to support Trump need to do so without the childish insults. IOW, don’t be like Trump.
Wow. What a bitter, sad, sick and sorry little man you are. You couldn’t have proven him right any better if you had tried
Says the troll come lately who has read nothing of the other posts here.
Sorry, this comment was intended for an earlier, particularly vulgar post here. To be clear – I fully support the author and the content of his letter.
Gotcha, and carry on. Not too many comments get banned here, but that Paul Stuart definitely crossed the line.
Another registered Republican applauds your resignation. Now the task is to make sure Trump stops here. The GOP will have to find a standard bearer who can clearly renounce the dog whistling of the past 25 years and the police whistling of the past 25 days.
Your eloquent words are a gift to me and the Republican party. Your thoughtful and clear-headed writing fills me with hope that, with people as bright as you, America has a chance at having a legitimate two party political system again. Thanks for caring.
Your vile language confirms everything I believe about the Republican party. Vile, angry, bigoted, mysogynistic. Worship your Donald Trump, as vile an individual as can be. See you next tuesday, you creep
Trump is unfit to be President. That is stone cold FACT, and your petty name calling cannot change that, nor distract the people who can think critically. How brave are you, hurling childish insults rather than making any case FOR your candidate? Granted, people far smarter than you are having a very hard time with that. The quality of his supporters does speak volumes about Trump, if his insults and fraud charges and lies and bigotry didn’t clue anyone in.
Good for you. I hope the Republican (or another) party emerges from this capable of reinventing conservative ideas. You sound like someone with a clear idea of what that might mean and what it won’t mean as well. Good luck to you –
Good choice, no good can come from Mr Trumps leadership. Dark days ahead should this man win.
You are a man of conviction and I applaud your decision.
As a 76 year old dyed in the wool Republican, I too am disheartened at the false and unattainable “promises” of Trump and his cronies, as well as his rheteric on how ONLY he can fix the world and US problems. He gives good tv but offers no viable solutions.
Maybe he’ll pay for the”wall” out of his billions🇱🇷🇱🇷. When will people stop drinking the “kool ade” and impeach him in the First 100 days if he makes it to the White House!!
Courageous and admirable. FINALLY one Republican calls out the immoral nomination of Trump and applies common sense to an uncommon party platform of bigotry, bullying, lies, racism, fear mongering and the list is endless.
His common sense? Quit the party. Now that’s a person following his conscience without reprisal. Your a hero in.my book!
What an eloquent and articulate exit! Like you, I was a Reagan Republican. In high school, I cut class just twice: once to go to a Reagan event in my downtown (the other was to visit a potential college). I have never been as involved as you, so my exit wasn’t dramatic.
As I’ve gotten older, I know some of my beliefs have changed, but I think my core principles are pretty much the same (strong defense, fiscal conservatism, social liberalism). The GOP has definitely changed, and it’s not the same direction as mine. I’m officially registered as “non-affliliated with a party”, which, in California means I have to do extra work to vote in Democrat primaries, and just have no voice in Republican primaries.
The GOP has resigned themselves to the reality of their nominee. I admire your willingness to publicize your own rejection of this tragicomedy. Your withdrawal is a loss for the GOP.