I didn’t leave the Republican party lightly. I left because it left me
I’m writing this not as a Democrat or an Independent, but as someone who, for most of her life, was a proud Republican.
I voted for Ronald Reagan and admired his belief that “character counts”. I believed in personal responsibility, faith and country – and the Republican party seemed to reflect those values. I even rooted for George W Bush during the chaotic “hanging chads” recount in 2000, not because I thought he was perfect, but because I believed he would lead with decency and conviction.
And for years, I found deep comfort in witnessing moments of unity between former and current presidents – particularly the warm, genuine respect between George W Bush and the Obamas. Different parties. Different ideologies. But a shared belief in democracy. In service. In “we the people”.
That spirit is gone now.
