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I am not voting for Donald Trump

I am not voting for Donald Trump

In fact, I did not vote for HIM last time.  Oh, I cast my ballot for the Republican ticket – and will do so again in November – but as a long-time policy-oriented principled conservative, the ISSUES and POLICIES are what get my vote.  That has been the case throughout my life.  President Trump is just the guy who happens to best represent my ISSUES and POLICIES.

One of the greatest gifts of a republic is the right to cast a vote to elect our LEADERS (Note … that is plural) and thereby influence public policy.  I vote conservative.  Now sometimes – maybe most times – I do not have the perfect candidate.  I just have to accept the binary reality and pick the better of the two choices – or the lessor of the two evils.  That is also why I do not throw away my vote by casting it for some hopeless third-party candidate – or not voting at all.

Just for the record, Donald Trump was not my pick in the Republican primaries.  In fact, of the 16 Republican candidates, he was my 17th choice.  But once he secured the GOP nomination, my decision was easy.  I understood that we were not electing him to be some kind of authoritarian boss – the kind Democrats tend to empower in our major cities – but rather the leader of a team with specific ideas.

When we vote every four years, we vote for more than a President.  We vote for a presidency.  That involves a lot of appointments and policy decisions over the next four years.  That is true of virtually every office.  Sure, there is a name on the ballot, but behind that name is an agenda of critical issues.  For me, the name on the ballot is not the most important factor.  It is what that person will support and advance – and what they will oppose.

I cannot recall a time in my life in which the personal traits of the candidate and the policies they support have been so at odds in terms of my view of things.  But since the most important thing is policy, I voted for the Trump administration – or, if you prefer, against the increasingly big government authoritarianism of the Democratic Party.

I have often stated that I am no fan of President Trump’s pugnacious personality and bellicose style. In 2016, I was even concerned if Trump would fulfill his various campaign pledges.  I would have settled for even half of them.  But even as I got more displeased with his personal style, I was pleasantly surprised by his general loyalty to the conservative principles of personal freedom and limited government.

This year, I will again vote for conservative principles and governance.  The fact that Donald Trump is the person at the top of the ballot is of less concern – because on his worst day, I believe a Republican administration and Congress is far better for the Republic than the prospect of the radical left agenda that the Democratic Party currently offers.

And truth be known, I do not believe Joe Biden is much better when it comes to his personal character – but just gets better coverage from a fawning news media.  This is the guy who lied about his law school achievements; lied about attending a black college; lied about a union endorsement; has made plagiarism a life-long habit; has demonstrated hot-headed reactions to voters and reporters who ask questions he does not like; has engineered billion dollar sweetheart deals for his son AND himself (and lied about what he knew); and has managed – thanks to the biased press – to bury a number of accusations of sexual impropriety from several women.

Biden campaigns on his deep religious faith when, in fact, he is essentially estranged from the Catholic Church to which he claims fealty.  Catholic theologians make it clear that a person cannot be a good Catholic if they support abortions … period.  Re-unification with the Church of Rome requires confession of sin and forgiveness.   Biden is claiming his religious affiliation fraudulently.

But even those personal traits would not make me vote against a person.  I look at the issues.  So, what are the issues that will have me voting for team-GOP?

I believe that Democrats will:

1. Move toward permanent empowerment by increasing the size of the Supreme Court in an audacious political power-grab.  Democrats have long used the courts to weaken the essential powers of the co-equal Executive and Legislative Branches.

2. Reverse the de-regulation that the Trump administration has accomplished – and this will be destructive to the free-market economy and further advance one-party power over the central government by moving decision-making far from the reach of we the people.

3. Return to cutting the power of the American military by reductions in budget.

4. Continue their assault on the First Amendment protections of free speech and religion – declaring that alternative political viewpoints can be censored and even outlawed.

5. Cement their alliance with the major media and the oligarchs of American enterprise – especially the social media giants – into increasingly fascist-style governance.

6. Restore the practice of keeping urban minorities subjugated in poverty through the misuse of the welfare system – just as conservative governance has been improving the economic life of those trapped in the segregated ghettoes.

7. Block all efforts to provide quality education to currently disadvantaged students through school choice.

8. Force union expansion for the benefit of the major labor leaders even though today’s trade-unionism has been a disaster for workers. That is why so many of the eight percent of the union workers in America vote against the endorsements of Democrat candidates.

9. Return to a pro-Palestinian policy despite the accomplishments of the Trump administration in the region – most notably the signing of a peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

10. Return to a foreign policy that is based on the distribution of American money with little interest in American benefits.

11. Continue their campaign to ostensibly expand voter participation at the expense of ballot security.

12. Shift our rule-of-law to an arbitrary rule-by-power with the support of mob action. If you think that is a bit extreme, consider the model of governance Democrats imposed on the southland for more than 100 years after the Civil War and the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments.

13. Re-open the border to illegal immigration and expanded sanctuary venues to thwart legitimate law enforcement – including abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

14. Undermine legitimate policing in communities throughout America.

15. And most tragically, promote racism as a component of their political correctness and identity politics that has already begun to tribalize the nation.

This list could go on and on.  Each of those points would deserve a commentary – or more – to fully explain my concerns.  Suffice to say that like so many others, I do believe that this is the most important presidential election in my lifetime – maybe since the 1860 election of President Lincoln.  It is a tipping point.

This commentary is not to suggest that Trump has handled everything well.  He has not.  Democrats would like the handling of Covid-19 to be the ONLY issue.  For me, it is not only NOT the only issue, it is not even the most important – and certainly does not wipe out all the other critical issues.   It is still a binary choice – and if you are looking at the broad range of issues, it is still an easy choice.

My vote is not for me, but for my children – and all future generations.  I will live out the great days of American Exceptionalism.  They may not.  If we continue to consolidate decision-making in our most distant and unresponsive government – and cast aside constitutional imperatives in favor of situational partisan governance – that bright light on the American horizon may be a setting sun.

President Reagan wisely warned us that we are always just one generation away from losing the American Dream.  Looking at the radical left, this may be that generation.  They truly scare me.  So … I am not voting for Donald Trump, the person.  I am voting for the Republic – and Trump just happens to be the leader of the best TEAM – with the best POLICIES and best RECORD — at this time.

So, there ‘tis.

 

About The Author

Larry Horist

So, there ‘tis… The opinions, perspectives and analyses of businessman, conservative writer and political strategist Larry Horist. Larry has an extensive background in economics and public policy. For more than 40 years, he ran his own Chicago based consulting firm. His clients included such conservative icons as Steve Forbes and Milton Friedman. He has served as a consultant to the Nixon White House and travelled the country as a spokesman for President Reagan’s economic reforms. Larry professional emphasis has been on civil rights and education. He was consultant to both the Chicago and the Detroit boards of education, the Educational Choice Foundation, the Chicago Teachers Academy and the Chicago Academy for the Performing Arts. Larry has testified as an expert witness before numerous legislative bodies, including the U. S. Congress, and has lectured at colleges and universities, including Harvard, Northwestern and DePaul. He served as Executive Director of the City Club of Chicago, where he led a successful two-year campaign to save the historic Chicago Theatre from the wrecking ball. Larry has been a guest on hundreds of public affairs talk shows, and hosted his own program, “Chicago In Sight,” on WIND radio. An award-winning debater, his insightful and sometimes controversial commentaries have appeared on the editorial pages of newspapers across the nation. He is praised by audiences for his style, substance and sense of humor. Larry retired from his consulting business to devote his time to writing. His books include a humorous look at collecting, “The Acrapulators’ Guide”, and a more serious history of the Democratic Party’s role in de facto institutional racism, “Who Put Blacks in That PLACE? -- The Long Sad History of the Democratic Party’s Oppression of Black Americans ... to This Day”. Larry currently lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

25 Comments

  1. Dan Tyree

    Larry I voted for Ted Cruz in our 2016 primary. But I’m very pleased with the outcome. I didn’t vote for Trump. I voted against killery Clinton. But Trump has exceeded my expectations.

    • Larry Horist

      Ditto

    • KenM

      A lot of us were for Ted Cruz, but once Donald Trump became the nominee, he became the person we had to support because the alternative was unthinkable. Can you imagine what this country would be today had she been elected? Like Larry, I don’t like everything that Trump has done during the past four years, but I do appreciate the direction he has taken us. Having ninety some percent if far better than the alternative would have been. I normally am opposed to early voting, but the daily crowds at our polling place are a sign that getting near the place on November 3rd will be nearly impossible, so I cast my votes yesterday. I think the answer is that we need many more voting precincts, but what we have is what we have. Bottom line, vote Republican to keep America.

  2. Mike

    Actually I’m beginning to think that Trump is the better choice.

  3. Robert

    Now a lot voted for Trump in 2016 because of the baggage Clinton was carrying, that is not true this election cycle, all kinds of accusations against Trump’s opponents but nothing proven in any way shape or form, just mouth running to disparage Biden, when nothing sticks with most voters apparently.

    • Larry Horist

      Part of the problem is that the media is working overtime to bury Biden’s problems as the candidate operates out of sight — not responding to negative issues because he is not being challenged. You have to keep in mind that nothing has been PROVEN against Trump either. It is just the drumbeat of negative narratives, false accusations and 24/7 one-sided reporting. No argument here in defense of Trump’s pugnacious and mendacious personality. But unless you do the digging, you will not see the positive accomplishments.

    • KenM

      Robert, you’re joking, right?

  4. Joe

    Trump is the Greatest President there ever was ! Trump will win 2020 in a Landslide !

  5. John W Dendy

    If you votr for Biden, you are an ignorant fool.

    • Terry Bell

      Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

  6. Anonymous

    I wouldn’t vote for the Libs if you paid me to. They are running more Socialist/Communist. They are Liars and Criminals. The Clinton’s, Obama’s and Biden’s are all dishonest Criminals and have done nothing except make mucho money for themselves and indulge in nefarious schemes. Let’s be realistic here, putting aside Trumps personality at times, he has done more for this Country than any other President. That is because he is working for the People and their rights. Biden is a Liar and huge crook! Never would I vote for him, especially since he has said he would put Muslims in every level of his Government! No way! Open your eyes and ears!!

  7. Terry Bell

    No doubt about it John Dendy

  8. JAMES JOHNSON

    NO YOUR NOT A CONSERVATIVE YOUR ARE DEMOCRAT,

    • Vicky

      You are insane and a Democrat. Even if you didn’t like Trump, by not voting you are supporting the democrats, riots, looting, higher taxes, defunding police and oil.
      Trump did everything he said he would and would have done more if it wasn’t for Pelosi and Schumer.
      Freedom of speech and church.
      How could you!!!!!!

    • Larry Horist

      I do not care what the false-flaggers say.. You cannot legitimately be a principled conservative and vote for the radical left-wing Democrat agenda no matter how much you may dislike Trump personally..

  9. Barbara

    I voted for Ted Cruz in the primary. I thought he was going to be a terrible President, and didn’t believe a thing he said. I was so wrong! I think he is the best President this country has ever had!

  10. Dee

    You have a right to your opinion, however wrong it may be. President Trump has worked hard to fix the wrongs in America, and anyone that doesn’t believe that is brain-washed by the Demon party. They will be going to prison, Trump has kept all his promises and deep state is going down quick now. We haven’t had a President since Reagan that actually worked for the people. The last 4 Presidents were up to no good and made things worse.

  11. John W Dendy

    Thank you Dee. Reminds me of my grandpa’s old saying.
    “You can educated the ignorant, but the stupid are beyond help”.

  12. laughin atyou

    Well I would say if you vote for biden you are in favor of rape, pedophilia, and sexual abuse as well as using you government job to sell influence and make your family rich.

    Then there is the biden pro illegal drugs agenda.

    Basically a vote for biden is a vote for corruption.

  13. Mike

    Larry, being somewhat a student of political discourse, it intrigues me to see (and hear) how people view the two candidates for President. I fully understand what someone on my side of the political spectrum sees. We feel that budget deficits are bad, sometimes a necessary evil, but we should attempt to minimize them when possible (which is not done by decreasing taxes and increasing spending when the economy is at nearly full employment). We also agree with scientists that climate change is real, and perhaps we as a country should do everything reasonable to lessen it, which means encouraging renewables, continue as one of the signatories of the Paris Accord, and discouraging carbon emissions, rather than the opposite. We also believe that real peace in the middle east can only be achieved by coaxing Israel to do right by the Palestinians and return to negotiations with them that includes giving the Palestinians a real homeland rather than encouraging Israel to continue building settlements on disputed land, and providing them with a victory by moving our embassy to Jerusalem while receiving nothing in return. We also believe that giving Iran the green light to continue building nuclear weapons by pulling out of the Iran Nuclear Deal that we negotiated with our allies will not lead to long-term peace in the region. All this being said, I have to wonder why people, who theoretically have similar views and goal to yourself (ie, fellow Republicans), find Trump to be so repugnant that they are actively working to defeat him in the coming election? Could it be the constant lies that are told by the President, causing the vast majority of the American public to be skeptical of every word he says? Or could it be that he denigrates our closest allies while never saying a bad word to Vladimir Putin or confronting him in any way? Some of us believe that integrity in government does matter, and for that reason alone are looking to change administrations….

  14. Trump Supporter

    Herbert Hoover was the first president to use the credit card to finance the Government’s operation. FDR went further with an amount of debt that would be difficult to repay. His justification was the money would be repaid by “cheaper” money; because, of inflation.
    Once the “Free Money Box” was opened, there was no way to close it. Both parties used the credit card to buy votes; however, the credit card was only for emergencies.
    POTUS Trump assumes office, his policies bring back companies and jobs; however, the “WORLD” got hit with the “weaponized CCP virus.” Now, the world had a TRUE EMERGENCY, which required a credit card. The DEMOKRATZ, RINOs, MSM, and people who would have been unemployable in any other administration, are complaining about Trump’s over spending. If Trump doesn’t spend, the PPP dies. the PPE goes the way of the Dodo bird, and the unemployable will starve to death.
    The CCP had the right idea, “Kill them all and let GOD sort them out!”

    • Mike

      Just to be clear, those of us on the right side of history are not complaining about “overspending” in the current emergency, but rather overspending (and undertaxing) when the economy was doing fairly well in 2017. The republican tax bill of that year was a total disaster, benefiting the wealthy and corporations (which I might add, did not bring jobs back to the US with their tax savings, rather purchased their stock to increase the price). Republican financials have been a disaster since the time of reagan and his voodoo economics….

  15. Rhonda Reichel

    SPENDING, WAR, & TAX POLICY MATTERS

    IF NOTHING ELSE IT SENDS A MESSAGE TO THE 2 ROTTEN PARTIES

    …..watch

    https://youtu.be/Rg6dJVjkG-U

    Jo Jorgensen joins ‘Kennedy’ to weigh in on Biden, Trump policies.

  16. rae

    Hope some of the RINO’s read this. I supported a number of Republicans, e.g., Bush, that I did not fully agree with. It is time for them to get in line and support our cause, not a socialist one.

  17. Dan Tyree

    Rae I’ve had to hold my nose to vote for some republicans. Like McCain and Romney. Also one of the senators in my state. But voting for democrats is out of the question. The word on the streets is that some people are afraid to admit to supporting Trump. What has our America became? I’ll shout my support loud and proud.

  1. What, Larry? With Election Day so close and the margin is closer still you choose Biden for your whipping person…