op-ed

I have no issues with Republicans; I have proudly cast my vote for them in the past. My political heroes—Margaret Chase Smith and Olympia Snowe—embody a Republican ethos that values principles, integrity, and a genuine commitment to public service. These trailblazing women represented a party that was once a respected alternative approach to governance, one capable of both challenging and collaborating with its political counterparts for the greater good. However, today I am deeply troubled. The Republican Party I admired has changed, reshaped by a wave of rhetoric and actions that undermine its former values.

Under the influence of Donald Trump, the GOP has transformed from a party of principles to one synonymous with division. Trump's vision promotes the villainization of fellow citizens, pursues retribution against imagined grievances, strips away hard-won rights, and enriches a privileged elite. Rather than addressing real issues or crafting policies that help Americans thrive, Trump's approach revolves around creating straw men, painting others as the reason why lives aren’t as fulfilling as they could be. This strategy distracts from the solutions that could uplift us all. It’s easy to cast blame, but far more challenging—and necessary—to enact policies that provide genuine opportunity, economic stability, and access to education, healthcare, and security for all citizens.

This kind of politics is corrosive to the social fabric of our nation. When we are told that our neighbors, coworkers, or fellow Americans are the root of our problems, it deepens our divides and sows mistrust. Instead of coming together around common goals—improving our economy, safeguarding our freedoms, and ensuring a better future for our children—we are encouraged to see each other as threats or obstacles. The Republican leaders I once admired believed in the sanctity of the voting booth as a place for individuals to make decisions according to their values and conscience. They understood that our democracy is founded on the principle that each citizen has the right to determine the direction of this nation.

Margaret Chase Smith, in her iconic 1950 speech against the recklessness of McCarthyism, courageously spoke out against the tyranny of fear and baseless accusations. She believed in a Republican Party—and an America—that was "not afraid to stand up and be counted." Today, that courage is more necessary than ever. We need voices willing to resist the currents of division and instead offer solutions for our nation’s future.

As we approach the next election, I urge you to approach the voting booth with an open heart and a clear mind. Vote not out of fear or resentment, but out of a desire to uplift our country. Cast your vote for leaders committed to policies that serve the people, not those who stoke division for personal gain. Support candidates who seek solutions over scapegoats, who elevate discourse rather than degrade it, and who have a vision that encompasses all Americans, not just those who agree with them.

The future of our nation depends on leaders who prioritize unity, respect, and opportunity for all. The voting booth remains one of the last sacred spaces where Americans can make an unfiltered choice—free from intimidation, judgment, or coercion. As citizens, we must use that freedom thoughtfully and courageously. Cast your vote as an exercise in choosing leaders who strive for a vision of America that benefits all, not just a select few.

So, as you enter the voting booth, think of the values that transcend party lines: compassion, accountability, and unity. Vote for the candidate who will move us forward, not by stoking division, but by fostering the cooperation necessary to meet the pressing issues of our time—healthcare, education, economic security, and a resilient democracy. We all deserve a government that reflects our highest ideals, respects our voices, and unites us in our shared pursuit of a better future. Together, we can reclaim the Republican Party’s legacy of integrity and service, and create a brighter tomorrow for everyone.