If you call yourself a ‘Republican,’ you are likely lying to yourself. The once ‘Grand Old Party’ has not existed for nearly three decades. However, if your primary concerns about America are being Christian; (once again you are probably lying to yourself); unrestricted gun rights; and sending the LGBTQ community to your idea of hell; you are a loyal member of the ‘Trump Party.’

“God, guns, and gays” is a slogan first used by Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe during his 1994 campaign. This phrase was used to misdirect the voters of his state from the fact that his Republican Party’s policies had destroyed the economy of cities and towns across Oklahoma and place the focus on social issues which were intended to support Christians only, their right to own weapons of mass destruction, and hating the LGBTQ community for no valid reason.

In addition, if you support the right wing, you are bat-shit crazy, and probably over the age of fifty; definitely white, and watch FOX Noise for at least four hours each day. You are not a ‘free thinker;’ you require instruction about how to live your life, what to believe about everything, and who is lying and who is telling the truth. Your life’s information comes from a man who makes five to ten times your income who is standing behind a pulpit; a member of the gun lobby who makes five to ten times more than you; or a fake journalist on the right-wing propaganda machine who promotes hatred and division in America and makes more than 100 times your salary. To put it simply, you are supporting the party of the wealthiest 10 percent in America.

My 72 years in America have been ordinary. From the time I could think for myself I simply knew that the important things in my life were the simple things. Everything begins with the belief that I would never stop attempting to better myself as a person. A search for spirituality would never cease. The most important attribute I look for in my fellow man is respect; respect for each other and respect for myself; no other word in the English language has more meaning. As an American, my guide for how to live my life is the Bill of Rights. No man or woman is superior to another, and all Americans deserve our loyalty, our understanding, and our compassion. We owe nothing to our government; they are elected to serve us or be sent home.

This is why I decided from the first day that I could vote I would be an Independent. It makes me very sad that today I have only one party to consider on election day.

The Democratic Party is far from perfect, it needs younger, more aggressive candidates and many more women. However, for the most party it has principles and morals. It places the needs of the majority ahead of special interests.

I loved and respected the once Grand Old Party. However, this Republican Party in Name Only is composed of hypocrites and cowards. They refuse to serve the people; they serve Trump and their only god; money.

We know what Trump is; and it’s all horrific and anti-American. But his party must accept most of the blame for what has happened to our nation in just 17 months and 28 days. Congress has the power to stop Trump, but they refuse. Our founding fathers created provisions which would forever prevent a monarchy or an autocracy if congress performs the job for which they were elected.

We can change the future of our nation. Please, please vote on November 6th and take your country back,

And please tell others about my blog; the truth lives here.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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