Independent thinkers a rare commodity

In Fence Post Sept. 7, Chuck Barr suggested that "Being Republican or Democrat can be pushed down the list of factors" when voting. I would like to think so, making decisions based on educating myself about the candidates.

Now it seems the parties vote 100 percent behind their side's choices. My memory says all the Democrats and about three Republicans voted for the health care bill. Does it seem possible that all Democrats favored it? No other Republicans favored it? What about individual thinking?

If a party's choice is ignored, does the "ignorer" have to fear about funding from the party? Seems to me that I have read this.

Does an independent really have a chance?

I don't like to have to think this way but sometimes seeming reality gets in my way.

Jeri Robb

Carpentersville