1. I have never failed to vote in a presidential election – and that includes voting for those that later brought dishonor to the office and shame to the American people. However, many of my own family paid dearly protecting my right to vote – good or bad.
2. I have never judged the candidates I voted for on the basis of faith. Like many Americans, I had a special interest that I was voting for or against (more often against), and that determined my choice.
3. Unlike my parents, I grew up in a time where voting against the establishment was an honorable thing to do. I’m not sure my parents ever did that, however on several occasions I voted straight party lines because I didn’t know any other way to sort the chaff.
4. My political identity is a fluid thing. I vote for the candidate that best represents my beliefs – which means this time I would have voted for Biden – but wasn’t given the chance to do so.

To the current presidental election, right now I want to vote “No” for President. But I’ll keep reading and maybe I’ll be enlightened in the weeks to come.

Gerry Winters