by Peter A.

Leaving the Republican Party to Unaffiliated was not a sudden decision. For me, it was the culmination of years of reflection, discomfort, and a growing sense that the values the Republican Party once espoused, disappeared.

Once in power, Republican principles like limited government, fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and a respectful, solutions‑oriented approach to civic life evaporated.

Party leaders talk about fiscal responsibility, yet, in Washington, our National Debt rises more under Republican leadership, than it does when Democrats are in charge of the purse strings. In North Carolina, Republicans hold massive majorities in both the House and Senate, yet, they cannot agree on a budget to pass.

One of the cornerstones of a Democracy is knowing the decision-making process. The Republicans think they have ceded their decision making powers to Donald Trump, however, they have given those same powers to the Presidency.  So moving forward, all future Presidents will pretty much have carte blanche to do what they want.

I also struggled with the party’s stance on social issues, especially on the immigration front. The Mass Deportation Movement should be branded as MAWA (Make America White Again). It is pure racism on overdrive. I am sickened by the elected officials that remain silent when masked armed agents of the Federal Government drive our streets and round up people because of the color of their skin.

The cruelest goal of the CHRINO’s (CHristians In Name Only) is the battle to end Birthright Citizenship.  The party that cries Family Values and Less Government Regulation would like a new system that tells some newborns that they are not welcome in our country.                                                                   

My solution is to assist in voting all elected Republicans out of office in 2026 and 2028.  Yes, vote them all out.

Leaving the party wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It was a step toward aligning my political identity with my values rather than with a party that no longer represented them.  

Elections Matter.  You can do your part by making sure you are registered to vote and bring a friend with you to vote.

-Former Stanly County Commissioner