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.
***********
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 
Here is an example of an(ex)Republican with great integrity and character!
Good for you, Mr. Ladd.. In my circle, It’s certainly no secret that I am anti-Trump, but it’s also no secret that I am conservative (Mom always said I was a little to the right of Attila the Hun, but she exaggerates). I rejected the GOP when they sold out to the religious right and the rise of the Tea Party confirmed my decision. I consider myself “Old School” conservative – pay-as-you-go because credit is addicting, and cautiously socially progressive because government’s primary role is NOT “national security” but improving the lives of all of its citizens while not being afraid to call on them to contribute to that effort. I like facts, whether they fit my narrative or not. If facts prove me wrong on something, I am willing to adjust or reverse where the facts compel it. We are a brave, proud and humble people, a nation built on immigrants and tolerance, made strong by our melting pot, who know better than to surrender our civil liberties out of fear and ignorance. These are conservative principles I learned from my parents ad theirs. Trump offends every fiber of what I believe it means to be an American.
A friend has told me my kind of conservatism is extinct – that I should check my pulse. I assured him we are not, but we need to find a voice. Your’s sounds good to me. Thank you for using it and your conscience.
this is one of the best descriptions of true conservatism that I have heard, Thank you.
Nicely put, Vince.
He, along with the current Rinos, haven’t looked at history very well. Since WWII the entire Republican Party has moved steadily to the left by sleeping at the switch and “compromising” always to the liberal left. Why is there no prayer when it used to be everywhere and every When? Why do we have the LGBT minority driving our morality into the mud? Why are our First, Second, Fourth et al. Amendments disappearing. If titis man thinks he is leaving the Republican Party, he is seriously mistake. He is leaving the strong right arm of the democrats.
You really just don’t get it, Dennis.
All I can say is AMEN!!!
Reblogged this on Where you Stay and commented:
Thoughtful, deeply-resonant words, followed by emotional, rhetorically-sound commentary. Smart Republicans uniting in favor of decency and reason. Makes me feel hopeful.
It might surprise you to know that the majority of the commentators who post to Lifer’s blog are actually liberals and independents. There are a few conservatives who make life interesting but the most active participants hew to the Democratic POV. However, few of them/us are way left – most would probably have been labeled moderate Republicans or Blue Dog Democrats when those terms were popular. Unfortunately, as Lifer pointed out, the Republican Party has moved so far right that it left many behind, himself included.
What took you so long?
Publically supporting the candidate is one thing, what happens when you pull the curtian and pull the lever, is another. When in absolute privacy of the voters booth, which lever will you pull ?
I would like to commend the Mr. Ladd for articulating what many cannot calmly do. I am also thankfully surprised that such a post would garner so many thoughtful commentors, too. I frankly expected more of the rude, one-sided screeds evident everywhere from the employee parking lot to the web these days … This has been a 40-year self-destruct and ‘We the people’ need to reestablish our place in ‘the system’ again.
As you have undoubtedly discovered, if you have read through any of Lifer’s posts and the attendant comments, civil debate is what is practiced and expected. His posts are so well researched and pertinent that he attracts a following that is similarly inclined. People who know how to make a point, support it and defend it without becoming vulgar or overly personal. It can get spirited but by and large, we all follow the unspoken code of respectful exchange.
It should be noted that DUPAGE will probably vote for TRUMP anyway…
Thank you for this honest perspective. Being raised in a red state and in a Republican home, I have been horrified at the open hate speech of our current Republican nominee. The GOP of old was and is better than what is happening in the party today. This year’s RNC was a frightening display of narcism without platform or direction. My Kansas father always said that the job of the GOP was to educate the population, care for the weak/disabled, and live within our means. He was a true conservative. What happened to this voice in the GOP?
The same thing that happened to the voice of reason that used to be central to the Democratic party – they have been co-opted by wannabes who want only to solidify their own power and gild their own nests, and the hell with their constituents.
Interestingly, Kennedy’s and Reagan’s policies were far more similar to one another’s ideals than to their own parties, as they have devolved to today.
I’ll be happy if we can simply find someone who will uphold his/her oath of office, which I think is a fantasy with either of these candidates.
But there is little doubt that Drumpf is the more dangerous of the two.
Your father sounds like the kind of Republican that I, as a Democrat, would respect and stand behind. His description of the job of a political party is one that I believe both parties should support. I am so impressed by Chris Ladd’s letter of resignation, my highest respect to him for his clarity and courage to speak in the voice of true Republicans.
Thank you for this, Chris.
I left the Democratic Party for many of the same reasons, all coming back to the fact that most politicians – on both sides – seem far more interested in dividing the nation, playing us against one another, and ruling by fear, than in actually governing and upholding their Oaths of Office.
Personally, I believe our two-party system has seen its best day, and has shown itself for the flawed creation it is. Americans have far more than two viewpoints.
I believe a more parliamentary-style multiple-party system, where each party gets their percentage of say based upon their percentage of votes – is FAR fairer, not as easily manipulated, and at least gives us something of a shot at actual representation, of which at this point we know we have virtually none.
Then again, my personal preference would be to abolish parties altogether. The Founding Fathers warned us that parties would corrupt our political system, which is precisely what has come to pass.
I am reading a book entitled The burning of the Reichstag. There were many political parties in pre-war Germany. I too at one time believe in a parliamentary system. I don’t think it will happen. It didn’t work in Germany and I am not sure it works so well in Britain. I am with you – abolish parties.
And, I say to you as well, then what?
That’s all well and good, but this election is in less than four months. How do you plan to deal with that?
This was a great letter, your thoughts on politics remind me of the Republicans I saw on TV when I was a kid. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I don’t remember all this partisan venom or histrionics. I hope the GOP finds it way, America needs more than one viable party to prosper.
I commend you on your action, and your statement. But, I do wonder, are you aware how the following descriptions, and sentiments, and inactions in the face of them, have contributed to the conditions that allow a Donald Trump to rise, and thrive? This could have been avoided, if people as “good” as yourself had stood up and said, “Enough is enough,” long, long, long ago.
“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.”
You are correct – if more people in the GOP echelon that actually calls the shots had done this a long time ago, that would have prevented a Trump from emerging. Ladd has a lot of years of Republican service but not at a level where he can influence the big dogs. That is who needed to stand up to everyone of these outrageous people a long time ago. Heck Paul Ryan won’t stand up today to the TP Freedom Caucus. Lots of responsibility to share here.
I’m a Progressive. But well said Ethan.
Reblogged this on The Adventures of Fort Gaskin-Burr.
Good for you! I have had problems with the Republican party since Reagan. Alan always, Ron Paul, and Rand Paul are the only candidates I have thought were worth supporting for president since him. Although I am not a huge fan of Gary Johnson, I am supporting the Libertarian Party again. I think I am home here. I suggest you might consider looking here too.
As a life long Democrat I was touched by your thoughtfully worded resignation from the once honorable RNC. It was so refreshing to hear that there are some things that can never be compromised, a moral compass, civility, honesty, and integrity. I once believed that a two party system balanced how this country is able to solve issues and govern..bringing the best of ideologies to find solutions. Now we cannot even stop to listen to each other….and at the same time we are reduced to name calling, bullying, bigotry..and the list goes on. My prayers are with you as you move forward in your career…stay honest, talk to those who disagree and work towards what is good.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for concisely putting to words what I have not been able to calmly convey. In the past I have had Democratic party leanings on social issues and have had Republican leanings on fiscal issues. In the past, as i suspect most Americans once did, I had tried to vote the best candidate irrespective of party affiliations.
The only time I have felt compelled to vote a straight Democratic ticket irrespective of qualifications (which a am loathe to do) is when I too have seen the Republican party stand for authoritarianism. racism, denial of math science, reality and trying to push us from religious freedom to a state sponsored theocracy – to reduce a once enlightened people to the level of an Iranian theocracy or any other government that can’t separate church and state for that matter. Something our founders knew more often than not to be at the core of civil strife throughout history and continues today.
No wonder our best jobs at out best technology and medical companies cannot find qualified American citizens and instead have to hire foreigners.
I applaud your convictions. It gives me hope that there are people who will vote with their education, American ideals and values over a putrified party affiliation that you would expect to find in an ignorant medieval backward hamlet that still believes in bleedings and posies.
Under almost all circumstances i believe we are a stronger nation with diverse and competitive viewpoints Democratic and Republican. Each has a point and counter point to consider and find the right compromise if we put our heads together for a superior solution to difficult challenges ahead..
I do however draw the line irrespective of party whether Democrat or Republican, if they put forth a authoritarian narcissistic megalomaniac for president. Every leader in history with these characteristics has ultimately brought ruin to his country and sometimes the world at large.
To be clear in case anyone is thinks I’m taking this opportunity to politically bash the “opposition” I have never thought of of us as being in opposition, only as Americans trying to solve difficult problems or we’ll find ourselves in a big world of hurt, If the Democrats or anyone for that matter put forth a Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin or Kim Jong-un type of candidate, I would be the first to speak out simply as a matter of American or just human principle…
Why anyone is America would install a rule breaking racist authoritarian as a leader of
American democracy points to a catastrophic lack of education in American history, world history and civic responsibility in general. Didn’t the greatest generation fight WWII to rid the world of some of the worst racist authoritarians? I don’t remember this being a Democratic or Republican issue. Why is it now?
There are many things wrong with our governance, there are many more things right with it. In my opinion.
What is at stake in this election; in a democracy, we have the possibility to put our heads together and fix things (if we choose), something much harder if not impossible to do in an autocracy…
I could have written the exact words. I am 52 years old and this will be the first time voting for a democratic President. I too have always been a social liberal and a fiscal conservative and always voted for who I thought was the best candidate regardless of party it just always seemed to work out republican in the past. Trump is a narcissistic monster who embodies not ONE value or quality of either party, he is the party of hate, fear, autonomy and cowardice and can not be trusted. I hope and pray that the good people of this country come to their senses and realize who this man really and that they truly vote their conscience in November.
That is awesome KS!! I completely agree! Either very few people have this common sense, patriotic view of our political conundrum, or we are just now finding our footing. Whatever kept us from shouting from mountain tops -LOUDLY- is not what matters as much as doing it. I’ve got to keep believing that the majority of us are good, moral & just. This immature crowd of scared small-minded screamers need the adults to come in & restore calm, sensible order. They won’t like it & will probably get a few bumps & scratches in the process, but it must be done! We don’t let our kids act so rude & nasty, why have we let them? Thank you, as well, Mr.Ladd for your well thought out words that MUST lie in the heart -of-hearts of many “lifers”. I can only hope your words will be reprinted and read widely. Our future depends on it.
Thank you so much for your courage and standing up for what is right! I hope a long line of people will also be stirred by their consciences and follow you.
Reblogged this on cmcgovney and commented:
Bravo!
Eloquent , heartfelt, and brave. You are a good man! Good for you!!!
I would like to thank you for your candor. Having grown up in Wheaton and knowing how Republican DuPage, and coming from a long line of Democrats (I have no idea why they moved there) in DuPage County, I realize how difficult a decision this must have been.
Nate Silver, 538 – Food for thought, all.
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/election-update-is-trump-getting-a-convention-bump/
How well we former northeast Republicans understand your plight. But please understand that you didn’t leave the party. The party left you.
Thank you Chris. Yes, Please VOTE your “Conscience” or WHAT is the RIGHT thing to do. a vote for one way or the other does not “cancel” any persons vote – Remember the votes are counted up at the end not cancelled – it is the Total number of votes that count.
I could not agree more nor state this more succinctly.
I could never vote for someone like Hillary Clinton.
More importantly, I could never vote for someone like Trump, a draft dodging, narcissistic egomaniac with the temperment of a twelve year old. He does not wish to be president. He wishes to be king.
To those of you that “support” him, I truly hope you do not get what you deserve.
“To those of you that “support” him, I truly hope you do not get what you deserve.”
Far better: “To those of you that ‘support’ him, I truly hope ‘we’ do not get what ‘you’ deserve.
Maybe you’d benefit from thinking about the admonitions in this Kasich ad “against” Trump. Now that’s ballsy. All of the other failed GOP presidential candidates – you’re sitting on a war chest of unspent donations. Where are your ads? This is powerful. Share it. More important, think about what is being cautioned.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/11/24/the-ad-in-which-john-kasichs-campaign-seems-to-compare-donald-trump-to-hitler/?wpisrc=nl_wemost&wpmm=1
It is too bad. An Ex-Republican that is baring his soul……but not telling the Whole Truth !
It’s like committing suicide by cutting off parts of you a bit at a time !
Donald Trump was/is not my first, second, or even third choice in this election, but I would vote for the town dog catcher, if we had one, over Hillary Clinton. I’m not happy about it, but there it is. I must vote, as a non-vote is a vote for her. The only major election in which I could not vote for either candidate was the La. Gubernatorial race between David Duke & Edwin Edwards. I had voted for my choice in the Primary, but both of those people were so reprehensible in so many ways it was an impossibility for me. But that was only a state race, not a national one. Much as I am not happy, I must vote if only to cancel out one for her.
Well, my dear, as someone from LA, you will have another crack at David Duke. Hold your nose and vote for him. Your Republican Party has totally screwed LA. I have family there and half are Republicans and half Democrats. You know what? They are ALL disgusted. They finally brought back a Democratic Governor to see if he can clean things up. Hope he can but the job is YUGE!
Please get your head out of the sand. Remember that David Duke himself supports Doal Trump.
well said. my sentiments exactly.
AMEN! Perfect Donald is not. But light years ahead of a third term of Obama. Which is what Hillary has to offer!
I’d take a 3rd and even a 4th Obama term gladly if the alternative is Trump and his horrifying vision.
Why do you think that? This man has been sued by many, has had no problems screwing people for his own gain, has proven himself to be a demagogue and a racist. He has been accused by many women of sexual harassment, Has shamelessly used our bankruptcy laws for his own gain many times declaring it. Has been charged for violating fair housing laws, promotes violence, is unapologetically arrogant. I could go on for the rest of the night. I am very curious why you think he is light years ahead of a Hillary presidency. He once publicly said he didn’t want a black accountant, he wanted those little short jewish guys with yamakas, makes fun of people with disabilities, said POW’s weren’t heroes because they were captured and he likes people who weren’t captured. Really. Why, I am curious, do you say that? I mean, I can understand not wanting Hillary to be president but really? Light years ahead?
I am a Democrat and not far from your township. I applaud you for standing your principles at great cost to yourself and do not delight in your circumstance. We’ve got to be in this together as Americans first. We on the left have many more than a few issues about the state of our current party but do not delight in this mass division. Good luck to you.
I find this letter entertaining. Mr. Ladd is either incredibly naive or incredibly full of it (or both?). Here’s some tasty quotes, (1)”There is no moral purity in politics.”(due to compromise), (2)”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.” and, (3)”Trump is not merely a poor candidate, but an indictment of our character.”
(1) This is what whores (politicians) tell you who have pimps controlling them (Banker Families/Wall Street). The rank-and-file thinking they EVER had a say on “issues” is a complete joke. The Oligarchy RULES. The theme here is: ‘shut up and take what the 2 party system gives you’. I refuse to accept that.
(2) He lists crimes against humanity executed by Republicans that actually HAPPENED (I take issue with climate “denial” as a psy-op term to meld the Gore/Paulson camp’s Scientology-type religion with the popular vernacular phrase “Holocaust Denier”) and he found them “troubling”?? Why didn’t our hero fall on his sword then?? TOTAL BS. As dangerous as Trump is, never having held ANY publicly-elected gov’t office, he hasn’t actually DONE anything yet. Now Mr. Ladd is upset?? Puh-leeese.
(3) Republican “character” being ‘indicted’?? Wow, just wow.
What’s happening here is the criminals (BOTH Parties) have had their little murder, drugs and money orgy going on for so long they don’t want a DIFFERENT evil nut-job cutting in on their action. So they’re willing to hit the self-destruct button on the red ship in order to give it to Hillary. She’s their last hope to hold on the scam they’ve all been running b/c regardless of being dressed up with a “diverse” flock, she’s ONE OF THEM. They’re not enemies. They’re ALL buddies. They’re a cartel under the Banking cartel. This boo-hoo letter is from a sociopath CRYING about a fascist trying to steal his already stolen merchandise. In the fight of Evil vs. Evil, the Rethug party may splinter but, unless that Oligarchy is dealt with, a new structure of phony opposition will grow in its place. Obsessing over fixed elections is arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. We are in this terrible bind b/c the masses remain ignorant of the power of the Banker Families.
That was really a positive, illuminating diatribe, NITBC. Must be sad to live with so much anger and cynicism. Those of us who participate in Lifer’s blog actually are trying to learn and to constructively improve the political process FOR the people – all of them. Not just whites, blacks, or browns – everyone. If you read some of the archives and a few of the comments, you will get a sense of the caliber of quality comment that is not only offered but expected from those who post. No diatribes, sound reasoning backed up by sources.
On second thought, that may not be something you’re cut out for. If that is the case, please make this a one-off and disappear. Ranting doesn’t cut it here.
Amen!!!!
Could you please not use such ugly and offensive language? That’s what we are talking about here. You are the dark character we are all exhausted from. It’s repulsive and we are sick of it. This man is totally sincere and those of us who have an ounce of empathy can feel it. You are incapable of recognizing that.
I feel your pain but do not share it. I have much sympathy, but no empathy. You should not have believed in illusions. “Shining city on a hill” was a pernicious illusion, one that I readily perceived at the moment it was invoked, designed to hide the truth – a rotting city on a burning lake under a polluted sky, an eviscerated industrial giant that had shot its wad in a war of choice in Southeast Asia and had lost, subsequently cut up and sold to the highest bidder because the only game in town was one-percenter profits. Never forget, it was Nixon who killed the last three Apollo lunar landing missions. Nothing could say more about the real Republican ethos.
Go listen to Eisenhower’s valediction. That will inspire you. I do it often.
Base your next movement on facts. There are many of us without any allegiance but to hard reality, who will join you. Godspeed.
A wonderful statement and I hope you are right, “We all know Trump will lose” I hope so for the future of our nation and the world. He is the most dangerous leader to arise in the history of our nation worse than the KKK but similar.
Do not believe that Trump can not win, Fred. Work as though it was certain that he could win and thereby help defeat him. This is going to be an unusual election contest and though I’ve been actively participating in politics for more years than you likely have candles on your BD cake, I can tell you with certainty: GOTV is huge. Do everything you can to help in this regard.
YEA! I have just caught up with all the comments to Lifer’s resignation post. So many new people – most of whom contributed thoughtfully and respectfully – thank you. Some who obviously depend upon vitriol rather than reasoned arguments (in the positive sense of the word for the newbies here). This is the tenor of Lifer’s blog family. We are civil, work hard to broaden the discussion, support our assertions with research and well thought out reasoning, and we don’t hesitate to refute a comment with which we disagree. But, we do so respectfully. That sets Lifer’s blog apart and I am certain this civility and intellectual discourse will continue on his new blog, “politicalorphans.com”.
We all can learn more and we can all learn from one another. That’s the beauty and benefit from following a blogger such as Chris Ladd who spends a tremendous amount of time and effort in articulating well thought out posts. In turn, his readers are appreciative and respectful. It’s a nice place to gather.
It is encouraging to see the same feelings I’ve got about the present GOP and their direction. I have never been a GOP supporter, because my true feelings lean toward Democratic candidates consistently after comparing them and their platforms, but, this mess, has become a test of recognizing trouble ahead in every statement , every plank in his platform and every part of his demeanor.
I can only hope that rational America shows up at the polls and they have whatever peculiar piece of photo ID they need to vote in their state, and we soundly defeat not only Trump, but the very evil mindset he proposes.
For each person here who cares deeply about the importance of this election, do your part. Help someone register to vote, get to the polls, canvass in your neighborhood, put out yard signs. Most of all, become informed so that you can help others understand the issues and positions of each candidate and what is at stake. There are way too many people out there who are making up their minds about who they will vote for without having a solid base of information. Help them. And, yes, GOTV is what it will all come down to.
Dear Mr. Ladd. I read your letter with admiration for its clarity regarding the current Republican candidate for president, and its exemplary articulation of personal integrity and humility, insightful intelligence and courage. You have my full support and gratitude. I have voted Republican twice and Democrat twice. While I am a registered independent, when I think of our country and all those who serve and love it in their own way, I am despondent about the tyrannical under tones of todays presidential candidate representing Abraham Lincoln’s party. Kyra
Thank you for standing on your principles. My only hope is that others will follow your lead.
This is brilliantly articulated. I have been desperate for someone to put these very thoughts into print, and you have done so eloquently. Thank you for this.
This a powerful letter. I am a Democrat and I feel your pain. This is
really a sad day in politics. Wish you
Well.
As another Canadian concerned about what is happening I your country, I want to express my gratitude to you for your stand against a leadership so utterly devoid of anything the United States has stood for all these years. I hope that Election Day will see a change of heart for the many who regard this narcissistic man as their saviour.
You’re not alone Chris. Ted Cruz and Tony Schwartz also acted on their conscience. Come November 8, 2016, voters will have the opportunity to do the same.
[…] here and here for […]
I came late to the gave, having only read the letter this morning, but I cannot recall reading a more comprehensive, thoughtful, and eloquent case made. It’s also true. II am not a Republican, but I used to have respect for many Republican officeholders, even though I was often at odds with them on many of their stands. Today, I have trouble finding anyone at the national level who deserves my respect. It is gratifying to see that, at least in Illinois in York and surrounding Townships there are Republicans who still adhere to the decency that typified those Republicans I respected. The tragedy of this year’s politics is that the Republican Party lost a committeeman of the decency and thoughtfulness of Chris Ladd. I suspect and hope that Mr. Ladd is not alone out here in the hinterlands. I must thank him for providing an antidote to the sickening horror we have experienced in recent months and years.
I agree fully. I am totally impressed with this man’s articulate, thoughtful letter. Bravo.
I agree with your sentiment as well. I know there are good Republicans, but, they are not leading edge because the party prefers the scorched earth doomsday version these days.
Even as a Democrat, I hope for better Republicans to find their way to the forefront so we can trust the nation will survive regardless of party in the White House.
Personally, it seems the GOP electorate is running Trump because that is the biggest and most extreme expletive they can send to the nation, and with this candidate they have really embraced the expletives.
Thank you for knowing what your standards are, and refusing to drop below them.
Remember our votesl are secret. No one is allowed to know how you vote. So vote for what you know is right in your heart.
That’s what I’m hoping embarrassed members of the GOPe wing will do. Their noses need to be rubbed in every stupid, ignorant, bigoted, and/or self-serving statement that Trump spews. The press need to keep after Ryan and McConnell and the other sellouts about how they own all those things if they endorse Trump.
Before you consult your heart, Mr. “Smart”, may I also suggest you consult your brain? There is a wealth of information out there with easy accessibility for anyone who wants to make a “reasoned” decision. Your heart may not be happy, but you brain will tell you it’s best. Or worst. Remember the old saw “repent in leisure”?
I believe that the reason you had so many positive responses, even from local Rebulicans, is because you spoke honestly and truthfully. When we start taking care of each other, and I mean every single one of us, not a class of people or like minded people, when we are honest and real, people know what’s right, and what is true and real. People are being talked at, not spoken to, by the political parties these days. I would vote for you for President. Not because of your party, but because of your beliefs, and the fact that you stand by them. Colleen from St. Louis, born and raised in Chicago.
I live in Canada and have been shaking my head in disbelief that Trump has been able to sustain support within his own party. It is mortifying to see how little backlash there has been within the Party given his extreme views.
Thank you for standing up to him and doing the right thing. You are not only helping US citizens you are helping everyone around the World.
Contrary to your your postscript, there is no hope. Even if you throw out Trump, you still have, “The Iraq War, the financial meltdown, the utter failure of supply-side theory, climate denial, and our strange pursuit of theocratic legislation …”, an “utterly indefensible cause”.
How can you account for over two decades of this rubbish, ever again support the GOP, and retain any shred of your dignity and character? The obvious answer is also the correct one. You can’t.
So true. The theocracy movement, trickle on theory, and refusal to accept logical and obvious science as fact, leaves most of us wondering what they DO actually believe in.
You know what? I don’t care anymore. You can’t change the minds of people who refuse to accept science and fact-based reasoning. So, why try? Just vote their minions out of office and install people who really care about the things that are important…you know, like global warming that is happening while we speak and all the other irrefutable problems that deserve a more thoughtful, bipartisan resolution. For god’s sake, a country that functions!
Reblogged this on Opher's World and commented:
This is the view of a Republican.
Chris, I am truly sorry for what I can only imagine is the the torment and conflict you must have gone through to arrive at this very difficult and wrenching decision. Despite our mostly polar political inclinations and affiliations, I truly enjoy your writings and insights and discussions and (sometimes heated; guilty as charged) debate. And I know from reading and interacting the past few years, how seriously, sincerely, graciously, passionately, intelligently, and thoughtfully you take the political process and discourse on your blog and your involvement with it and in shaping it however you can. There truly is no joy or Schadenfreude, only empathy and sympathy for your plight and turmoil and a wish for your continued success in your efforts and future endeavors. And I do hope you continue to share your insightful thoughts and ideas via your blog and your enlightening discourse in some manner or form you are comfortable with. Keep up the good work Chris.
Thank you for your work with the Party. It’s a shame that it has come to this. I left the GOP in 2008. Campaigned for Nixon twice. Current party has no leadership. Sigh…
God Bless America! It is so refreshing to know that there are still people like you left in our country. As a Democratic by heart, but one who has voted for Democrats and Republicans in the past depending on the person, I find it uplifting for what you have done by your resignation. Hopefully America will not lose sight of you and that you will continue your fight and future by bringing the values you and all Americans stand for. God Bless You.
I find it sad the political ideology has replaced religion as the world’s greatest belief system. Even Islam is not immune. All religions undo go change in their beliefs and we see schisms emerge that are never healed. We also see the birth of variations on a theme that bloom, grow, and eventually decline. Political parties go through their changes and some die and some are sufficiently changed to assure a couple more decades of existence.
So a man writes his letter of resignation and submits it to the public. He has been a good and faithful party member and now he chooses to disassociate himself from that organization. He could have let the matter rest as a private communication between himself and his superior. Instead he chose to make it public. His reasons for leaving the party he says are moral. We could debate those reasons as to their legitimacy. But public letters, like public primaries are open to all comers who meet the requirements. In the former it is the freedom of speech. In the latter it is the freedom to compete and winner takes all.
If the Republican Party did not want Mr Trump as their candidate then they should never have opened the contest and allowed him to run. You can’t take a man’s money, allow him to compete, and then tell him he can’t take his winnings. That would be immoral. But to compound that immoral act by resigning and claiming that others withing the party who abided by the rules and prevented you and a few dissenters to deny Mr Trump, well, that is an even greater immorality. So rather than go quietly you chose to make a public spectacle of your great sense of morality.
You see, it’s the same argument all the social justice warriors make. They decry the lack of rule of law because their ideals of justice are at variance with the application of the rule of law. We enact laws as a matter of course in society. Law provides a framework of limitations and duties for our actions. But that is only one part of law, It also provides a set of remedies when such actions or inactions have occurred. A mob crying out for justice their way is attempting to supercede such laws and remedies. Justice cannot be dispensed by mobs. You and others wanted mob ‘justice’ because you didn’t like the outcome of the primary contests. Anarchy is not moral, it is the opposite. If you don’t like the individuals who want to run for office under the party’s banner then you should have been pushing for a change in the selection committee rules.
The ultimate irony is that there is no difference between people such as yourself in the Republican Party and those in the Democrat Party who successfully conspired to deny Bernie Sanders a fair opportunity to compete for the Party’s nomination. The ultimate curse, you’re no better than a democrat.
“If the Republican Party did not want Mr Trump as their candidate then they should never have opened the contest and allowed him to run. You can’t take a man’s money, allow him to compete, and then tell him he can’t take his winnings. That would be immoral. But to compound that immoral act by resigning and claiming that others withing the party who abided by the rules and prevented you and a few dissenters to deny Mr Trump, well, that is an even greater immorality. So rather than go quietly you chose to make a public spectacle of your great sense of morality.”
People who oppose Trump have every right to work against him in any legal way allowed by the election system. That he got a plurality of the GOP primary votes does not alter the fact that he is dangerously unqualified and panders to some people’s basest instincts. Chris and everyone else is within their rights to say so. Chris and other principled GOPers are under no obligation to lend any support, active or tacit, to a candidate they deem unfit. Party loyalty should never require suspension of critical thought-if it does, then that party of no longer worthy of any loyalty.
I’ve never been a member of a political party. I did register as republican when I was 21 in 1968. Now that never obligated me to vote for any republican for any office. In fact I voter for Norm Mineta for mayor of San Jose and for congressman. He was at that point known for his honesty and the republicans who opposed him were shady characters.
I never disagreed that Mr land had a right to speak his mind and resign as a party member, a far cry from merely registering as a republican. Indeed, he is free to voice his opinion on any political matter. But if one is a member of the party then one has an obligation to either support the current candidate or resign. To claim some higher moral ground is a false argument. You speak of a plurality of voters, so what? How does that excuse those who view Mr Trump negatively morally superior to those who accept him as their candidate? Your arguments are false. You are trying to weasel your moral argument with emotional criteria. If you do not want to either vote for Mr Trump or work for his election you have every right not to do so. But don’t tell me about your suppose situational morality.
As to the fitness of Mr Trump to run this country I too have my doubts. But for me the question becomes a very simple one. If I withhold my support from Mt Trump and Hillary becomes the next elected president I have my self to blame for the ruin she will bring to this country. As much as I dislike Trump I dislike Hillary even more.
But what do you supply as a remedy to the situation? A false claim to moral action? George Bush was no great shakes as a president but given the choice between him and Al Gore, well, I think the inventor of the internet would have been the worst choice.
Chris Ladd is resigning – he is regaining the high moral ground. The fact that Republicans like George Will, PJ O’Rourke have also resigned only points out the moral cowardice of the current Republican leadership.
Let me be clear. I was not crazy about any of the Republican candidates. The last Republican who had a shot at getting my vote was John McCain but then he picked Sarah Palin. But if the Republicans had picked Cruz or Lindsay Graham or Rubio or Bush or Chris Christie, I would not be expecting people to resign from the party. Whether I thnk they would be good for the country or not, these are men who are Republican stalwarts, who represent a conservative voice in this country. That’s why we have elections. The only one I don’t think they should have picked is Cruz but that’s because after 8 years of birther chants, I’m going to be a little pickier about where Republicans are born. But these are people I disagree with who could still be president.
Trump is not someone who can be President. He’s not someone who has shown any leadership skills. Reagan may have been an actor but he was governor of California before he was president. And Reagan at least had an attention span. Trump seems to have the attention span of a mayfly. He’s going to make America great again? How? He seems to think that the real problem with this country is that we haven’t made him Dictator for Life yet.
This is a man who has no honor. A man who claims his military school was as tough as actual military service. A man who denigrated John McCain’s captivity. A man who has declared bankruptcy, divorced & cheated on at least two wives and who has cheated over 3000+ small businesspeople. What makes you believe that having lived a life without honor he will suddenly discover it.
You seem to believe that the last eight years have been terrible. Why? Unemployment is down; stock market is up, most of our allies are happy with us. The number of people covered by insurance is 20 million more than it was before the ACA. Congress has refused to do much of anything. They have refused to handle immigration, infrastructure…we can’t even get them to hold hearings on an open SCOTUS seat. Why do you think Obama is so terrible and Republicans are so good?
You make emotional arguments, to what point? No, Ladd did not take the moral high ground. If you want a perfect candidate then pick Jesus though I doubt that he will run and if elected will not serve. As for Trump’s short comings, well, so what? Are they worse than Hillary’s? If so then vote for Clinton.
Now as to unemployment? Pure and simple the government lies. How do we know this? The unemployment statistics have been cooked, subject to the command of the current president. That is in the public records. But the one statistic that gives us an idea about unemployment is that of the current population of eligible workers versus the number of employed. And even here the bureau of labor statistics tries to cook the books. How can it be that the working age population has remained the same and yet the total births have risen? All that aside, the gap between the working age population and the employed population has since Obama has taken office and has never decreased. Further more, the definition of someone who is unemployed is dependent of whether they are collecting unemployment benefits. Go look it up. If you can’t find a job and go back to school to try and improve your prospects, you are not unemployed or looking for work.
Of god, the stock market is up and that is the sign of economic growth. I pity your lack of economic knowledge. Have you taken a look at the corporate accounting scandal? Here’s a hint, one need not worry about GAAP. One need not mark one’s assets to market, that is, what price they would bring on an open market. No, the practice is mark to unicorn. Simply make up the numbers. Corporate return on investment up? that was easy, just borrow at less than one percent to by back your stock and that changes the numbers, Cooking the books is at an all time high right now. the amount of credit issues in the last twenty years has become so great that it is roughly ten times the total global GDP. Oh, that’s right, it’s not really credit now, it’s debt. You are living in a fantasy land when it comes to economics.
The ACA has cost millions of American a great deal more money over its existence. Why is that? Healthcare monopoly. I note that the Republican and the Democrat Parties don’t even mention that. did you know that the average price of an MRI is between $1000 and $2000 in America? You can fly to Tokyo and have one done for $25 plus airfare and hotel stay. If I take my car in for repairs I receive an written estimate, it’s the law. Every time I’ve gone to the doctors for anything and ask them what the fee is, I am told that they have to bill the insurance company first before they tell me the cost. Am I missing something here? There is a hospital in Oklahoma that does not accept insurance, they want cash. Yet their fees are roughly twenty percent of what everyone else charges. Do you see a problem yet. This is what monopoly power does to a nation. At least Trump said that he would start enforcing the laws against monopoly, coercive pricing, and market manipulation. Think Wright Patterson among other laws that are not enforced in the healthcare industry. Did any of the sixteen other candidates in the primary ever suggest they would do the same if elected?
As for the supreme court nomination. The constitution tell us it is the duty of the senate to consider the presidents appointment of any appointed office holder including a supreme court judge. It says nothing about having to pass the appointment. It say nothing about holding hearing for that is left the the rules of the senate which are enacted and upheld by a majority of its members. The senate’s duty is to advise the president on any appointment and if a majority give their consent the appointment is upheld. Go back to civics 101, you didn’t learn much the first time. And if you don’t like the senators you believe you are free to work against their future re election.
As to Obama, who has been a do nothing president, who has sought to sow the seeds of racial discontent in this country, who seeks to lessen our country’s standing in this world and who has let an incompetent secretary of state wage wars in the middle east by proxy and without accountability, and finally has blocked any prosecution of Ms Clinton for espionage and corruption, who has sought to make a mockery of the rule of law, well, then mind boggles at your ignorance and complicity.
Don’t speak to me of honor or of military service as you think it must be. I spent my time in hell, thank you very much, and I am a far better judge of whether military school is a hard as basic training, advanced infantry school and military life in general that you will ever be.
Now as to dictator for life, I would be interested in that position myself. I would, of course demand to be elected unanimously. And then I would proceed to straighten not only this county out but the rest of the world. And like most dictatorship, it wouldn’t be pretty. I wouldn’t mind so much the stupidity of the common people as I would find the stupidity of the more intelligent people to be an obscenity that it is. People of good intent and stupid thinking. But the road to hell is paved with the bodies of such people and that is a fact.
Okay, I will not speak of your service. If you want to let Donald Trump compare his military school to your service who am I to protest? I know how my uncle feels about the comparison but if you want to take your time in hell and let the spoiled son of a rich man compare that to military school, so be it. If you want to let him denigrate the captivity of John McCain – a man who actually suffered in hell- that’s on your conscience.
Next. Unemployment. We have used the same metrics for measuring unemployment since I graduated. Because they are the only reliable ways we have to measure unemployment. Otherwise we would be counting parents who stay home with their kids, people who take time off to write books, people who go back to school, people who are not looking for work, people who go off to start their own businesses. Is it completely reliable – not as much as I’d like. If you can come up with a way to count the working population versus the actively looking population which doesn’t involve all of us having to take a census every year, I’d love to hear your solution.
The second thing you mentioned about unemployment is the gap between the eligible population and the working population. Sorry, I’ve heard this one before. You are not taking into consideration, the pig in the python otherwise known as baby boomers. 10,000 baby boomers a day turn 65. 10,000 turn 60 every day. Some of them lost their jobs in the Great Recession and went for early retirement. Some of them (and I know several) were already planning on an early retirement. A lot of them are going out on medical disabilities. We have known this for 40 years that this was coming. To act like you just woke up and noticed that our working population is smaller than the population eligible to work is in your own words – naive.
Stock market. Please. I work in accounting, I work with CPAs. If you think GAAP is gone, you’re being lied to. Sarbanes Oxley made lying on financials a criminal offense. You may have noticed you’re not seeing the large bankruptcies we saw in the mid 2000s. You know what? If Republicans would increase the budget of the SEC & the IRS, your fears would diminish even more.
(I love that Republicans claim there’s fraud even as they cut the budgets for the watchdogs).
Baloney on the ACA. Two points- I’ve been negotiating and reading health insurance policies for small businesses for over 20 years. And except for the last three years, costs always went up and benefits were always curtailed. I learned a long time ago that if the insurance company did send me a lower than expected renewal to start looking for the timebomb. One year it was that they had raised the employee deductible to $2500, which pretty much meant I’d be paying $300 plus a month for insurance the employees couldn’t use. One year it was that the lifetime benefit for gynological/obsterics was $8,000. Which is pretty much one pregnancy with any issues.
Second point and this is funny. You claim that if you fly to Japan you won’t have to pay monopoly prices. That’s so wrong I’m almost speechless. Japan has a universal health insurance plan. THE PRICES ARE SET BY THE GOVERNMENT. They have the plan that Republicans have fought tooth and nail. You pay less because the government sets prices.
You might want to vote for that next time if you admire it so much.
Supreme Court. I can see you’re willing to swallow anything. All I will say is that refusing to bring Garland’s nomination to a vote – a judge previously approved by Republicans, a judge who was actually suggested for the Court by Orrin Hatch last year- you and Mitch McConnell have proven yourself capable of putting petty politics before your country. Again, I’m glad its on your conscience and not mine.
Obama as divider. I have watched you actively work against this president since day one. Worst financial crisis since the Great Depression? Not as important as making Obama a one term president. When has a Congressman called the President a liar during the state of the union? You and your conservative friends have treated him with such disrespect that his wilingness to work with you floors me. He’s not the one who divided this country. Your pettiness, your racism, your willingness to believe any lie no matter how foolish – you’ve divided this country. And now you’ve nominated a clown who wants to be dictator.
I’m sure you thought your last paragraph was so cute. I don’t want to be dictator because unlike you I understand that it takes all of us to keep this country great. I don’t want to be dictator even when people like you are willing to throw away 240 years of great governance for a con artist. I want to be a proud citizen again.
And God willing, I will watch Hillary Clinton take the oath and let you little little men crawl back under the rocks you live under.
Emotional bull shit, that is all you have to offer. Health care and its monopolistic practices is a matter of public record. By the way, MRIs are cheaper in France. Mris are very cheap in India. The open heart surgery I had in 2002 to replace my heart valve with a metal one cost about $90,000. I could have had it done in India by competent Indian surgeons for about $6000. You need a knee or hip replacement, go to Hong Kong, you’ll pay a tenth of what it costs in the US. You, of course, won’t bother to read any of it because it doesn’t suit your agenda. You work in accounting, really? Then tell me why Honeywell, when posting its results using GAAP has losses but beats the market using non GAAP accounting. Are you really not aware of the accounting fraud? Again, it’s in the literature but if you chose not to read it, well, that is your problem. You could go the DH Shot’s web site and become informed as to the governments problem is reporting economic statistics. Actually, there are at least a dozen websites that discuss the problems and delve into the history and the shortcomings of government reporting. But you can’t be bothered to learn because it doesn’t suit your agenda. Obama has been telling us all about the great economic recovery. It hasn’t happened. At best we are in a continuous recession at worst we are in something of a depression. If you listen to CNN or MSNBC, you are being lied to. Again, the data is out there for any reasonable intelligent person to find, peruse, and make an informed judgment. But you won’t do that because you have an agenda. Since I didn’t vote in the primary I did not choose either a clown (Trump) or a crook (Hillary) for general election. But given a choice, I’ll pick a clown over a crook and a liar. that is to my way of thinking, common sense. And since you are a progressive liberal who believe you know what is best for the people of this country, your last resort is to call me a racist and yet you have no idea of the meaning of such a word. i’ll have you know, asshole, I fought for civil rights before I was drafted. I volunteered my time as well as my money to help people in the inner city as a high school student. I fought as best I could the racism that existed in the service during the late sixties. People like yourself are the worst form of racists. You weren’t there in the beginning, you didn’t suffer from taking a stand. Now you blithely come along claiming to know just what racism is and anyone who disagrees with you just has to be a racist. Grow up snowflake. Read some history. You with your socially and politically correct bullshit assuming you know everything. I have no respect for your kind. You haven’t fought for anything. You haven’t had to risk anything. You just ride the coattails of those who did the heavy lifting and now proclaim yourselves as heros of the hour. You wouldn’t know real racism if it knocked your teeth out. Your’s is a pretend world. It will always be a pretend world. There is nothing moral about you or your thinking. You are just another empty head obeying orders from the head progressive liberal. You can’t think for yourself and never will. You are the worst of humanity because you believe your own bullshit so fiercely and so completely. I greatly pity you and should Hillary win you will rue the day she ever took that oath of office. Hillary will sell you out so fast your head will spin. And if Hillary does win we will see world war three. Beware of that for which you wish.
Good day, woman, I have neither the time nor the inclination to correct your defective thinking and the stupidity of your belief.
First of all, I’m probably older than you think I am. The war my uncle fought in was Korea. I don’t quite see how else one responds to Trump’s disgraceful boasts about his lack of military service during Viet Nam except emotionally. What facts would you like me to produce? Should I denigrate John McCain’s service because he was captured? Even though he was offered early release and refused it? Even though as the son of an Admiral he could have easily worked the system and gotten out of combat? What facts would you accept for Trump’s empty boast? Please, I’m interested. Should I pull out the numbers of how many sons of rich men finagled their way out of the draft- including most of the GOP leadership and how many sons of poor men died in Viet Nam? I imagine you know those numbers better than I do but I can pull them out if you’ve forgotten.
Secondly, great job picking other nationalized health care systems to compare prices to. Since you are a veteran, let me ask you. Of that $90,000 how much was covered by the VA or Medicare? Because I’ve noticed in the past that most of the people who opposed Obamacare were actually covered by Medicare, government healthcare (in the case of Congressmen) & the VA. It’s only those of us in small business who’ve spent most of the last twenty years trying to deal with rising healthcare & health insurance costs who appreciate what a godsend the ACA is.
I don’t often boast but I will here. I know more history than you do. I know enough to recognize a scary pattern in Putin’s recent actions and I know enough to recognize the Kingfish type when I see one. I also know enough to know how recent this switch of the GOP from responsible conservatism to win at any costs and how little it resembles most of the party’s history.
If you really want a primer on basic accounting, buy a book. A lot of companies have losses based on GAAP. GAAP accounts for multiple year expenses like depreciation, amortization, risk accruals, etc. which may or may not hit cash. Those companies like Honeywell also like the losses because it reduces their taxable income.
As for the recovery, gee, I guess the multiple businesses I work with must have had losing years for the last several years and none of us noticed. There are parts of this country that are still in a recession. You know what? A lot of them are red states who made stupid decisions based on what they thought should happen rather than what worked. Why don’t you look at the parts of this country that have recovered and see what they have in common?
If you can look at Obama and call him a divider, I don’t have to call you a racist. You’re naming yourself. And please, you don’t know me, you don’t know where I grew up. That heavy lifting you’re talking about? What did you do- teach reading? So did I. Take kids out to pools? So did I. I’m glad you felt like a hero when you did it. But if you’re a conservative you voted for the people who cut jobs programs, who cut summer education programs, who made it easier for a black man to go to jail than to college. So forgive me if I think your later actions outweigh your high school service projects.
I don’t think I know what’s best. You’re the one who wants to be dictator. But I don’t let my votes be driven by fear, by racism, by ignorance. The Republican party should have had me. I work in accounting, I’ve done start ups, turn arounds, for profit, nonprofit – I’ve worked in a lot of industries. They’ve never had me because they wave the flag and cut veterans’ benefits; they scream about crime and cut jobs programs; they brag about going to the moon and then want to make creationism equal to evolution.
And nice try trying to make me into what you think a liberal is. I’ve worked since I was 14, and had a full time job since I was 16. I paid most of my way through college and the rest was paid for by loans and grants. The only time I’ve been unemployed a Republican has been in office so I am a little leery about letting them touch the national economy. But I haven’t been unemployed in over 16 years. I’ve never taken unemployment. I’ve never taken a dime of government money since college and God willing, I never will.
And yet every year I vote to keep the social safety net in place and for veterans and the elderly to be protected because I’m a grownup and it’s my job to make sure that the greatest country on earth does not have old people living on the streets. It’s also in all of our interests to make sure people retire early instead of holding onto jobs so that the next generation can find work. It’s in our best interest to make sure people can leave jobs to start new companies instead of worrying about their kids’ health insurance. Its in our best interest to make sure that good workers aren’t lost to us because of a long recession.
You want to vote for the guy who is already threatening not to honor our NATO commitments and threatening to carpet bomb the Middle East and you think Hillary is going to cause WWIII? Give it up.
You may not agree with me, but I’m afraid if Trump gets elected you will.
Don’t mess with Bridget! Beautifully stated, supported and deeply felt. It shows. Thank you for taking time to say what so many of us feel but couldn’t say nearly as well.
Thank you. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have found Chris’s blog and all of you.
I am a lifelong Democrat but I admired several Republicans over the years and John McCain heads the list (well, at least until he picked Palin) I was not raised in a house where we protested the Vietnam war. I was raised to honor military service. I argued against the war at home but I knew enough that arguing was fine – calling soldiers names was never acceptable because WE- all of us- send our soldiers into what ever conflict they fight and we must take responsibiity for it.
Why Republicans want a man who not only didn’t serve but goes out of his way to insult our military, to call them thieves, to mock McCain’s capture and torture is so far beyond my understanding I start sputtering.
You keep beating about all of Trump’s faults. Fine, so what? Will he bring about war? Very unlikely. Will he become a dictator? No, can’t be done unless he can call for a state of emergency. That would take some doing. But even then, he would have to suspend congress, even FDR couldn’t do that. You don’t like his style of politics, good for you. He talks loud and brash, yet, I agree. But so what?
Back in the fifties my brother and I had a paper route and we also worked summers mowing lawns. When I was twelve my brother and I would spend summers on my aunt’s farm in Texas. We helped in the mowing, raking, baling, and collection of hay. Shall I tell you just how hot it got in those fields every summer? We also replaced fence posts by hand. Ever use a hand post hole digger on hard baked clay? Later on when the family moved up north I used to hustle to shovel sidewalks and driveways. I works as a stock clerk for a big box department store after school. I learned quite a bit about the retail business. I pulled my time in the service, completed my obligation and took my chances in Vietnam. I saw more than enough people die. I saw the top brass and the politicians piss away any chance to help the locals. I don’t like wars where we try our best to be gentleman warriors. It always gets too many people killed and for the wrong reasons.
You talk about healthcare and how wonderful the ACA is. If it is so wonderful why does healthcare consume so much of our GDP? Why have it’s cost risen more steeply since the ACA was enacted? As I’ve said, the literature abounds with all the skull duggery that the healthcare industry has been allowed to do. You deny it based on what little you know. Does Hillary have a plan to improve healthcare access? why of course, it’s called scam the taxpayers. No need to bring down costs, just make it a single payer system and tax the middle class to pay for it. Back in 2002 I started taking healthcare management classes. That was a real eye opener. I also took Non-Profit and Government Accounting. I have taken half a dozed accounting classes along with finance classes at the university level. S I have some acquaintance with healthcare. I’ve also taken a few business courses on business law over the years. I actually hold several degrees, one of which is a masters. By the way, I paid for every class after my GI Bill funds ran out. And those GI Bill funds I earned by putting my life in harm’s way.
I have taken unemployment for the simple reason that I was out of a job. at various times in my life. When you come out of the service as a ground pounder there is no civilian equivalent. I had no skills to speak of. I had to take whatever I could find and guess what, there was a recession going on and jobs were scarce. I finally got work as a lineman. I was a communications engineer when I was laid off. A half million of us lost our jobs and those jobs never came back. I had to take what I could get and few companies were hiring the over fifty group then. The last steady job I had was long distance truck driver. That, my dear is a hard job. Four years later I had a stroke, lost my hearing and my sense of balance. God, I hated the thought of being disabled and having to take disability. You see, I was disables when I was seven. Broke my arm and it was never set right. My left arm doesn’t bend but fifteen degrees. Think about that for a moment. All my life I have had to overcome the limitations of that arm. It never stopped me from playing sports nor did I ever ask for special accommodation. There was no physical therapy, no special treatment in public school. And since the Army needed draftees, the doctors passed my physical. But since I needed an income after my stroke I took the disability. Afterall, I had earned it. Funny thing is that I still don’t think of myself as disabled.
Are you a liberal? Of course, your words tell me so. You bought into the social consciousness stream of thought. You have that nanny thinking that people must be protected from their mistakes. But worst of all, you support the free lunch ideal.
All my life i have looking into starting my own business. One thing I have noticed is that the barriers to entrance have become higher every year. I have taken classes on the university level in small business and start ups. The costs associated with starting a business have always been a barrier but on all levers of government I see a constant shift to increase that barriers. Before the collapse of Telecom a couple of engineers and I were going to do a start up providing high speed cable to rural communities and farmers. The technical complexity was simple compared to all the government regulations. Still, it was promising. Then the bottom fell out of Telecom. You think starting new companies is so easy and without much cost? You are naive. Out of every high tech proposal, how many ever get any funding? And out of that that do get funded, how many are successful as defined by being in business two years later. Try opening a flowshop. A friend of mine makes surfboards and the regulations he has to deal with take 20% of his gross profits. It would be worse if he had an employee.
I could go on and on. The economy that you believe is going so well isn’t. The data is out there but you won’t bother to look. If the economy is going so great, why is the Baltic Dry shipping index at its lowest, ever? Why has rail traffic and truck traffic hit new lows and have been that way for many months? Why is the Dallas Fed index down for the 19th consecutive month? Why did healthcare costs rise 8% this year? Why are asset prices increasing while unemployment is down to new levels. The BLS statistics don’t tell all and never did. You have to dig into the numbers and you have to collect more than BLS numbers. I know far more about economics and finance than you ever though about. Again, I took many classes at the university level and I do a lot of research and reading on those subjects. I also know where to look and I am not wedded to experts ideas. I actually bother to question much of what is commonly held as true. Question: why is 2% inflation good for the economy when inflation is also viewed as a tax on the poor? And if 2% is good, why not 10%. Oh but we went through that in the seventies and eighties and it wasn’t good. There is so much you do not know and do not understand.
As for Hillary, I think her record as secretary of state speaks to her incompetence. She started a regime change war against all the intelligence community’s advice and she did it with special ops people so that congress did not need to be told. What has happened to Libya? It is now in the hands of Islamic fundamentalists and at least a hundred thousand people have died for that fairytale. Her work in egypt wasn’t any better. And look at Syria, total disaster. Yet she can’t help but meddle in the affairs of the middle east countries. You are going to trust this woman?
Meanwhile, since I doubt you have bothered to keep track of affairs in Europe, who was pushing the civil war in the Ukraine? Ah, out state department left its finger prints all over that one. And the EU ministers want a united states of Europe army under their control. The aim is the expand their influence into eastern Europe. That will drag us into any conflict they may be stupid enough to start with Russia just so we can “honor” our NATO commitments. Oh, please, we should support such a plan? Oh, that’s right, your information is very limited. Like most American you depend on either mainstream news or the political news you feel comfortable with. God forbid you should ever venture to see what anyone else has to say.
Vote your conscience, by all means. I have no problem with that. the election is a winner take all affair and we will be stuck with the person the majority elect. We are on the verge of a great economic collapse, one the world has never seen but one that will leave no country untouched. It is no longer a matter of if but when. We are starting to see the banking sector in Europe start to collapse. The ECB will throw a whole lot of money at it but that will only put off the final slide. china is another problem child and we may see a great currency devaluation before its financial collapse. The weight of debt issued by “free” credit is almost overwhelming. And as one small part starts to fail the cascade begins. Slowly at first and then with a rush. But go ahead and believe that Hillary will save you. And no, I have no illusions that Trump will save us either.
Question for you, William. Why didn’t you go to India or France for your procedure if you could save so much $$?
Best.rebuttal.ever. Welcome to the family, Bridget!
The very fact that in such a forum as this, given the weighty issues we are trying to deal with as a democracy, that a veteran of the US Armed Forces, sworn to uphold and defend the Constituion of the United States, would be even half serious about the “pros” of having a dictator is frankly disgusting. My great great grandfather fought for the Union (I have his musket and muster out papers), my grandfather was in WWI. My father served in the South Pacifc and my uncle in Europe during WWII. Two of my cousins died in Vietnam. They would be horrified by Trump and what you’ve written. I expect in the years to come, you will be too.
Various members of my family have fought for this country since the French and Indian War. So what? Bragging rights at best. All this talk that Trump will be the next dictator of the free world is merely blather of idiots. the fact that your words are laced with emotion tends to defeat any rational discussion on the matter of Trump. Now for the record will you tell me what politician has never lied to the people? I am not a fan of Trump, I think the man an ass. But so was George Bush. His father was far more nefarious than his son, for that mater. But it was either Bush or Gore in 2000. I chose Bush since I was far more distrustful of Gore.
But here you are, trying to push emotion as morality and quite frankly, I am offended. The time for discussion of Trump has passed. The Republican party should never have accepted the man’s name for consideration to run as a republican candidate. Now you don’t like the results and want a do over. You, for all your supposed patriotic fervor are a hypocrite. No, if Trump is elected I doubt I or many million others will regret that event. The greater evil is Hillary. Funny thing is that Barry Goldwater was portrayed as the great evil who if elected would have plunged us into WWIII. So the voters overwhelmingly elected LBJ. That turned out to be a greater mistake than Goldwater could have been. If goldwater had been elected your two cousins would still be alive today.
Did LBJ do some good? Yes but I believe he left us more damaged goods than we bargained for.
William, do a little more research in Ladd’s archives. I think you will find there a very long and concerted effort to get his party to deny Trump access to the nomination process. But, here we are and until the eve of his last meeting with the IL Republican delegation, he tried to get them to stand up and against Trump’s nomination. He was unsuccessful, thus he tendered his resignation personally then publicly. Frankly, this issue needs all the daylight it can get. If Lifer’s letter stimulates conversation and soul-searching as to what type of person should lead our nation, this is not only a very good thing, it is long overdue. Who would you have perform that function? The gutless GOP establishment, or, the equally gutless,lazy, ratings-driven media?
No, I think you are missing the larger problem here which is: what kind of country do we want and who is best qualified to lead it?
Frankly, let me be blunt. I am sixty nine years of age. I can recognise bullshit when I hear. I served my year of hell in Vietnam and I believe I am fully qualified to recognize bull shit when I hear it. I really didn’t mind hearing it in the service or from the protesters or from the media. I accept that every one has an agenda.
I voted for Nixon twice and the last time I became ashamed of having elected an individual who would stoop to having underlings perform criminal activity. I will give him his due on foreign policy and a few domestic programs. I think he was a better choice than Humphrey . Were there better picks than Nixon? Maybe but given the range of choice at the time I do not believe there were. Regardless of what I thought, there were several million other opinions that made those choices. But where I draw the line is when someone pretends that he or she knows better than i and decides that the person I may have voted for in the primary is not fit for office and I should acquiesce or otherwise defer to their superior judgment.
I suppose that I should not take such offense to such an idea. After all, wasn’t it the thinking of the founding fathers that the voters should elect their bettors to govern them? If that be true, then how do we determine who our betters are? This is what you say I am missing. That some group of individuals have decided what is best for the rest of us and that they are absolutely right and the rest of us should follow along like sheep to the slaughter. But isn’t that the progressive liberal argument for globalism? I’m sorry, but when did the Republican party become the party of globalism? Did I miss something? Did we change the constitution of the United States of America along the way?
One man or woman, one vote. that is democracy if I remember my civics lessons. And yes, we are a republic, if we can keep it. Our founding fathers believed that a direct democracy to be a dangerous thing, one prone to mob rule. So they added the idea of a representatives to act for the people. But here’s the rub to your argument. We the people elect our representatives to represent us, not to tell us how to vote or how to think. Yet you seem to believe that we should merely rubber stamp your choices and your ideals.
The reason why we have political parties is that we group people by their common beliefs. A political party should, but does not always, represent the thinking of its adherents. When it does, it tends to win elections if it appeals to the most voters. If it doesn’t then its slate of candidates tends to lose. If you understand group membership, which tends to be self selection then you understand group behavior. Frankly I doubt that you and a few others understand such points.
But what really gripes me is that you make the issue one of moral choice and that you are the only people who have the superior moral position and values. This is called moral bull shit. It is the lowest form of bull shit.
What kind of country do we want? We, the people, will decide at the ballot box. Who is best qualified in your mind doesn’t count. Who, we the people, decide is best qualified does matter and does count. You people have learned absolutely nothing from history. Voting for any candidate is not about soul searching but a popularity contest. The winner is judged worthy of his election by a majority of the voters. My god, are you really that stupid? If ever there was a political party in need of shaking up, shaking it to its very foundations, making it question its very existence, it is the republican party. Of course the same is true of the democrat party. The two of you have grown old and fat and set in your ways and ossified in the simple ability to think clearly. The truth is, you need us who were once republican and are now independents far more than we need you. My judgment of Ladd stands.
Okay, so what made you decide Trump was qualified?
I never said Trump was qualified. He didn’t send me a resume. I am one of the 140 million hiring managers and my vote will determine whether is is elected, not whether he is qualified. You ask the wrong question. To you, it is about whether he is qualified. To me the question is, do I want Trump or Clinton. Those are my only two choices.
William, why would you wish to separate qualifications from selection?
There is no legitimate basis by which the GOP could have prevented Trump from running or to block him midway. Ergo, your point is ridiculous and unworkable. Come back when you’ve thought it through.
If any one who is eligible, by law, to run for any office, and if one can select any political party affiliation, then the party members must accept the rules of the game. To raise hue and cry about the winner being not moral or acceptable to a few members of the party is to conflate the issue. The whole point of an open contest is that you accept the winner regardless of whether you wanted them to win or not. If a few members of the party want to make the primary closed, that is their wish assuming they can convince a majority of party members to change the rules.
Now I know that in any state of the union I may run for office if I met the qualifications set by law, such as age, citizenship, and criminal record. I may also state my political affiliation, which is different from party membership. If there is no primary process then the party may officially endorse me or may choose to endorse someone else.
We also have the case that the primary vote may be limited to voters whose registration is that of the party. All in all the primary process is not uniform throughout the land.
But my point is far from ridiculous. Either we follow the rules or change them prior to any contest. But we never change them in the middle of the contest or say at the end when we dislike the contest winner that we have decided not to honor those rules.
Mr Ladd has his opinion of Mr Trump and he is most welcome to it.But he is not entitled to claim any moral high ground simply because his opinion simply because he believe Mr Trump unfit for office.
He is entitled to “resign” as a member of the party, his reasons are merel excuses for his resignation. He may call it a moral choice, but so what? It will not change the fact that he chose to resign. Neither I nor anyone else is obliged to accept his excuse as a moral reason. Now I may impute some reason to him for his action, but that does legitimize my assertion, it merely remains an opinion and as such is subject to what if any attention it may draw.
Mr Ladd is under no obligation to work for the campaign of Mr Trump nor to vote for him nor to renounce his voter registration as Republican. He may vote for Hillary or one of the other candidates or he may refrain from voting, such is his right as a citizen. We may assume that if he votes he will vote his conscience which precludes any moral sentiment.
But I would believe that his resignation of Mr Trump’s winning of the primary and the convention nomination to be an act of dubious morality, particularly when combined with his public announcement couched in what I would believe as false moral terms. Obviously there are many who would disagree with my opinions. They may believe the is full of moral courage. I do not believe courage is the correct word. The world is full of hypocrites and I believe Mr Ladd to be one of thin in this instance. To say otherwise is to indulge in convoluted logic.