By TJ TAUB
Santa Fe
Formerly of Los Alamos

Are you a life-long Republican? Are you still planning to vote Republican as a matter or tradition, even in this election? 

Many Republicans are not switching Parties, but are voting Democrat this year because the Party as it now stands no longer represents their beliefs. 

They won’t support a Party leader who won’t condemn White Supremacy, or a Party that won’t condemn him for that position. They won’t support a Party that claims “massive voter fraud” despite years of studies overwhelming debunking that allegation; a Party that allegedly supports the Constitution and democracy but engages in widespread voter suppression; a Party that declared “the people should have a voice” in choice of Supreme Court Justice when Justice Scalia died in February, 2016, delaying the process just short of a year – but four years later wants a selection done in less than 47 days; a Party that prioritizes Presidential pronouncements over science and common sense, which – among many other things – has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths, many of which could have been prevented.

Is this really the Party you support? Or has it been hijacked and turned it into a cult?

Being the majority Party in a democracy isn’t license to dictate. You might have the edge, but you’re expected to work with the other Party. Fundamentalist “my way or the highway” partisanship has torn this Country apart. The Lincoln Project is made up of Republicans whose mission is to defeat Trump. Their differences with Democrats remain, but state, “Electing Democrats who support the Constitution, over Republicans who do not is a worthy effort.” 

Unfortunately, skipping the vote for president still gives strength to Trump and his sycophants. If you really believe in this Country, and in democracy, please vote Democrat in this election. (You don’t have to tell.)

Editor’s note: Readers are encouraged to fact check statements made in letters and opinion pieces.