I used to be a Democrat

I grew up in a Democrat household. My dad was a strong union man who believed in the virtues of the party. The first time I could vote, I chose George McGovern. His opposition to the Vietnam War probably had something to do with it, especially since I was serving in the Army at the time.

My dad’s politics centered on “kitchen table” issues — job stability, higher wages, the price of gas, and the economy. His focus was providing for his family and improving their future, not the social debates of the era.

Today, I am an independent. Do I like how President Trump acts at times? No. But I appreciate the idea of a businessperson with real-world experience leading the country rather than a career politician. Like my father, my priorities are still economic security, safety for my family, and stability for the nation — those same kitchen-table concerns.

What troubles me about today’s Democratic Party is how it has shifted under progressive influence. Their hostility toward Trump has led them to oppose everything he does, even when it means defending positions I cannot support. Calls to defund the police, allowing transgender women to compete in female sports, pushing for open borders while opposing ICE — all of this feels far removed from the party my dad once championed. And now, disagreement too often earns labels of racist, homophobe or misogynist.

If my dad were alive today, I doubt that he would recognize the Democrat party he supported. Do you?

Frank Garfield

Hiawatha