Moderate Republicans and independents are faced with a gut-wrenching decision this November: Hillary Clinton and four more years of liberal leadership, liberal Supreme Court nominees, and her possibly criminal baggage; or Donald Trump and his offensive behavior, opaque policies, and his lack of governmental experience.
The best opportunity to avoid another four years of malfunctioning, partisan- frozen governance, is to vote for Clinton or a write-in candidate. A Trump presidency, with his egocentric refusal to take advice or admit wrong and inability to build a consensus, will be stuck in a quicksand of angry Democrats and lukewarm Republicans, and will be D.O.A. Worse still, a successful Trump election will spawn a generation of Trump wannabes who think that his boorish and insulting behavior is the road to political success.
A Clinton presidency has a chance to be effective if she is willing to make pragmatic compromises with a wise and effective Paul Ryan, like her husband did with Newt Gingrich.
Dan Moyle, Evergreen
Will personalities or issues decide the presidential election? Who will keep us safer, secure our borders and defeat radical Islamic terrorism? Who will rebuild our military and treat veterans right? Who will halt the Trans-Pacific Partnership, make better trade deals for the United States and restore American middle-class jobs? Who will eliminate unnecessary government regulations, lessen waste and fraud in government and rein in a bloated Washington bureaucracy that destroys American small businesses and hamstrings the economy? Who will get a handle on the national debt that, if left unchecked, will destroy the future of the younger generation? Who will protect the Second Amendment while limiting assault weapons and putting further restrictions on potential terrorists? Who will defend Israel and Christians in the Middle East? Who will eliminate abortions at Planned Parenthood while allowing Planned Parenthood to continue providing other services to women?
John Dellinger, Aurora
I am a gay, 63-year-old man who has voted for the person I feel is most qualified regardless of party all of my adult life. I have voted for both Democratic and Republican candidates, based on whether that person is ethical and willing to represent all of the people, not just a narrow segment. I cannot support either of the major-party candidates for president this year. Instead I will be voting for Gary Johnson and the Libertarian ticket.
I want fiscal responsibility from our country’s leadership and both major parties, in my opinion, have failed to deliver on this. I want our country secure but do not want our troops being used as a tool of the Washington elites of both parties. Personal liberties should not be abridged by the government, but open discussion of our similarities and differences should be encouraged without fear of reprisal of the PC police.
I truly believe there is a more inclusive path for Americans such as myself than the current Republican and Democratic parties, and that is the Libertarian Party.
Daniel Black, Durango
Submit a letter to the editor via or check out our for how to submit by e-mail or mail.
