Independent, but with a litmus test

As I am preparing to fill in my vote-by-mail ballot for the upcoming election, I realize the vast changes that have occurred in our country during the last few years.

I consider myself fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I believe in living within my means, avoiding debts whenever possible, and paying my bills on time — and I believe our governments should be operated in the same way. But I also believe that those who have been fortunate enough to achieve the American dream have a responsibility to assist those of us who, through no fault of their own, have not been so fortunate. Thus, when necessary, I support raising our taxes to help those in need.

I have always been registered as an independent voter. I try to enter each election with an open mind — judging each candidate by his record and his character. Talent is important — but character is much more important. A candidate can compensate for his lack of talent by selecting talented advisers as his staff — but there is no way to compensate for a candidate’s lack of honesty and integrity.

When I first moved to Illinois, that state was extremely conservative — we had a Republican Governor; both our Senators were Republicans — as was my Congressman; our state legislature was dominated by Republicans — with a few Democrats coming from Chicago; and DuPage County was known as one of the most conservative counties in the country. That was fine by me — as long as they lived up to their responsibilities and my expectations, any office-holder running for re-election got my vote.

But for the upcoming election, I have added an additional test. Unless he has publicly repudiated the lies being spread by his political leadership, I shall not vote for any candidate who identifies himself as a Republican. Silence on his part indicates to me either agreement with those lies or a lack of courage to dispute them — either one being a fatal flaw which I cannot endorse.

Seymour Bloom

Naperville