Vote to keep the republic

To the editor:

On Nov. 5, 2024, our election for president and vice president, as well as numerous positions in the Senate and House of Representatives, will have consequences for the next four years and beyond.

The privilege of voting is the exercise of your power to have a choice in selecting the chief executive in a world that has fewer and fewer democratic nations.

The fact that democracy is once again under threat, as it was during the 1930s, gives me pause. My concern is one of the current candidates for the presidency has a preference for authoritarian rule and has demonstrated a disregard for the Constitution of the United States in the recent past. 

In my opinion, we, as citizens have an obligation to consider the facts, think critically about the issues and inform ourselves as we weigh our responsibility to put our country before loyalty to a political party.

I express this view as an Air Force veteran who served four years on active duty in order to safeguard the nation as well as protect the right to vote — for all Americans.

On Nov. 5, I urge you to vote your conscience.

On Nov. 11, take some time to think of those — women as well as men — who have put on the uniform and served in the armed forces, and of the few who are on active duty today. Veteran or active-duty Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard members sacrifice individual freedom of choice, income and, at times, their lives to serve and protect us. Have a care for those who are willing to go into harm’s way for the nation.

Finally, on Nov. 28, let’s all give thanks — each in their own way — for being a citizen of the United States of America and the republic that has stood for 200 years as a beacon of self-determination and government.

Let us all support and uphold the Constitution.

Santiago Villafane