Think about the candidate, not just their party

In his letter to the editor Sunday Sept. 15, John supports Ashley Hinson and describes her strong support for veterans. As a veteran myself I’m glad for that, and I wasn’t aware of her efforts. But what I am well aware of is her unwavering support for someone who blatantly disparages and disrespects veterans.

That leaves us veterans with a dilemma. If we vote straight party ticket to get the local candidate we support, we’re also supporting someone who reviles us and doesn’t give a d*mn about our medal recipients who sacrificed everything for our country.

But I just looked at a preview of the ballot I will be given, and here in Iowa we don't have a straight ticket option. We can select the candidates that most represent our own values, regardless of their party affiliation.

So I would like to remind Iowa veterans, and everyone else, that you don’t have to vote for everyone listed in your party just because it’s “bing bang bong" easier. Give it some thought and vote for the candidate that respects and supports the men and women you’ve served with, and not the guy who stands in front of their headstones with a grin and thumbs-up, but calls them losers and suckers.

Timothy Carlson

Vietnam era veteran

Cedar Rapids