My career has been quite extensive in the political field. I worked for Calhoun Magistrate Court for twelve-ish years, I was appointed Magistrate Clerk and served four years. Again that’s a guess-timate. My life has been somewhat of a blur as it sped fast and now I find myself 64 years old and three heart-attacks down. I feel that four decades of experience in a very political environment throughout countless jobs, makes me qualified to offer you (whether or not it’s agreed upon or accepted) my opinion on the upcoming election.
I am a registered Republican. Served on the Republican Party until the care of my mother prevented me from doing the job adequately. Even that experience left me a little depleted of encouragement in the state of our Country, State and County. I am an outspoken conservative that wants anyone who cares to know what I stand for and what I stand against. I am pro-life. I am ANTI-abortion. I am God first, family second, and the right to protect said family with a gun if necessary. That is why I am a registered Republican. I feel they best represent my faith and belief system. I make no apologies for that. On a National and State level the Republican Party has many members that I don’t trust as far as I could pick them up and throw them. Remember, I’ve had three heart attacks, so that is not very far.
Let’s Talk Liberals
I do not care what party anyone is registered to. On the national levels, the liberal party is the Democrats. I need nothing more than the evidence of the fact that they set up an abortion clinic at their Democratic Convention as wells as the facts that on a National level they’d love to disarm every American, remove as much law enforcement from the country as possible, un-educate our children and fill the voting booths of America with unqualified, illegal immigrant voters. I said it and I’m not a bit sorry.
Now, let’s talk local.
We’re a small community and to put it up front and personal, my youngest daughter Whitney Butler was appointed Calhoun County Clerk by the current Commission when Jean Simers retired. Like my father, Gene Hardway, who went to Heaven in 2003, my daughter is a registered Democrat. So was I, until I could no longer justify being apart of that party and being a child of God. In rural America, most 18 year old voters register as their parents did (but not always). I registered like my father, who we all adored. The year I turned 18 and was old enough to vote, my dad was running for re-election to the office of Assessor. He won, but it was an ugly election. I wanted no part of political matters, it made me sick at my stomach. But I fully believe that God had other plans. While I have never ran for office, I have always been very involved in the process. I believe in my heart of hearts, that while Nationally it’s hard to “know” a candidate – other than what we hear on a very, very, liberal media; Locally we can certainly “know” who we’re voting for. We are community. I believe there are liberal and conservative Democrats. I believed that when I was Chair of the Republican Party. But if you want me to know the truth, help me know you better.
That’s not to say deception is always in the realm of possibility by either party – – been there done that, got that tee shirt. Literally.
I am a person who takes people at face value, (local only) Democrat or Republican, and at their word upon meeting them. Oh yes… this has gotten me hurt several times. But once you’ve proven yourself untrustworthy, we’re done playing that game. But we cannot allow the antics of crooked and corrupt politicians to sour us on the whole blessed pot of candidates. The primary election was to sort out who the County as a whole wanted to represent a specific party. The general election allows us to vote all the parties. But the homework of who to vote for is on you.
Let’s Talk Loyalty
Another issue that I take very personal.
In this day an age, loyalty is often a matter of convenience. If it’s not convenient, the loyalty goes out the window. I have stayed loyal to the readers of Ridgeview News in the fact that I have never printed anything but truth. I’m not above printing something in error, but once it’s discovered the matter is fixed. Now, do I lean Republican. Yes, but in my defense, if I ever received anything from a Democrat, I ran it without question and have never turned anyone down, contrary to what may being said now. I believe in the freedom of the press and the right for all people to express their beliefs, except where it goes against God or America.
I recently made the decision not to back any candidate – With the exception of my daughter Whitney. I think I have that right as her Mother. But I have made the mistake as publisher of backing candidates in the name of Ridgeview News only to be slapped in the face by the reality that I was used until I no longer agreed with people 100%. Republican, Democrat, Independent or any other we will disagree at some point. It’s human nature. But the nature of a person doesn’t change if they’re loyal to their beliefs. I have stood for the truth. I will print it regardless of party. If that offends, take it up with Jesus, it’s who I stand accountable to.
So, in conclusion
Let’s Talk Leadership
When choosing a Candidate to support, their ability to lead our County in truth, high moral standards and in accordance to the oath they sign should be your priority. Those standards, if lived out, will create a community of unity, not division. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we should agree that fair and equal treatment regardless of political affiliation is the foundation of our Nation.
As Publisher of the Ridgeview News, I will not tell anything other than the truth. Right now I’m struggling to stay abreast of all County events. But if I know about it, I print it. If someone asks me to get the word out about an event, I print it. I offer live video feeds to allow everyone access to their government and see for themselves what people are up to.
I implore everyone who reads Ridgeview to let me know if something’s happening in your part of the Community. Send me the information and I’ll put it out for the Community to know.
