My voting history goes back to 1960, when I cast my first vote for John F. Kennedy for president.
Coming from a GOP family - that's “Grand Old Party,” for young voters who might not recognize the current Republican Party - my mother simply said, “I know you will be canceling my vote for high office, but here are the local candidates I support.” Her list went right down to county sheriff and, of course, all were Republicans. I voted my conscience and hers, and we both lived merrily ever after.
Things have changed dramatically across our political landscape as we enter the 2018 Vermont Democratic Primary. I am not voting for our Democratic incumbent Peter Welch for Congress. Daniel Freilich is my man, and here's why.
Dr. Dan came to my back door on July 4 during the peak of our heat wave. I listened to his goals:
• Restore honor and integrity back into politics;
• Focus on core issues to achieve equitable pursuit of happiness for all;
• Encourage politicians to minimize their conflicts of interest by not taking special-interest campaign contributions (campaign-finance reform);
• Set a new standard by tackling core issues like wealth inequality (Medicare for all, climate change action; addressing Citizens United).
A captain in the U.S. Navy, a physician, and a professional scientist, he currently works as staff physician at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction.
He founded and directed the Navy's blood substitutes research and development program, and he developed and directed a $100 million program to overhaul the Navy's approach to treating pain in response to Congressional concern about the opioid epidemic.
Dr. Dan left me thinking how I could best help him restore our broken political system. He is experienced and more than qualified to represent us in Washington, D.C.
So, my friends and neighbors, join me and vote for the man, not the party, if you want to “reclaim Democratic, heart and soul.” Like me, you are going to have to listen, do your homework, and then vote your conscience.