Letter: Both parties veer from our ideals

As a strictly Independent voter, I'm feeling a kinship with Mercutio in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" when he says, "A plague on both your houses" when it comes to Democrats and Republicans.

I disagree with Democrats when they pour money into the campaigns of extremist Republicans thinking they will be easier to beat. Don't they remember 2016 when Clinton bested "easier to beat" Trump by 2.9 million votes but still lost the votes that really counted. And don't forget, Republicans can play that game, too.

And it infuriates me when I hear Republicans saying, months before the election, that the only way the Republicans can lose is if there is fraud and the election is rigged. Don't forget, Democrats can play that game, too.

Trust in free, fair and honest elections is the bedrock of our democracy and when the trust breaks down, our democracy is teetering on the edge of autocracy. Just ask the people of Hungary.

On a more specific topic, at Darren Bailey's brief news conference in Springfield on Tuesday, July 26, Bailey is quoted as saying, "I have dealt with Adam Kinzinger on my own. I've made my statements. I don't agree with anything that Adam Kinzinger stands for. And I've made a statement, so you have that."

I am convinced that the evidence shows that Adam Kinzinger stands for truth, honesty, and integrity. Kinzinger treats opponents with dignity and respect and his conclusions are based on evidence, reason, rationality, and critical thinking. And he has shown kindness and compassion for others.

Taking Bailey at his word that he does not agree with anything Kinzinger stands for means that Bailey does not embrace any of the positive values above, the values that are indicative of a person of good character.

David Thiessen

Woodstock