Dad has lived through the Depression and served in World War II. A lifelong Republican, he recently turned 100.
Asked about this election, he responded, “Not Trump! He reminds me of those who rose to power in Europe during the 1930s: brash, big on promises, short on specifics and intolerant of those who were ‘different.’ ”
I suggested he had three choices: not voting; voting third-party, or, if he really wanted to stop Donald Trump, supporting Hillary Clinton – thus not only taking a vote away from Trump but, by casting a vote for Clinton, increasing the likelihood of Trump losing. He paused and thoughtfully shared, “I guess I should vote for Hillary … just to ensure Trump is not elected.”
Whether a disillusioned Republican or a disheartened Bernie Sanders supporter, it’s critical that you not opt out or cast a protest vote. Doing so simply increases the possibility of an unstable, racist, sexist, narcissistic demagogue in the White House.
Erik Bertelsen
Boothbay
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