Opinion: I left the Republican Party because it left me – CT Post

I have spent my whole life in small business, starting by myself and now employing 16 people and providing them with health insurance and retirement benefits. I was a member of the Republican Party because it was the party of opportunity, the party that let you follow your personal pursuit of happiness.

I think this is no longer the core drive of the party.

I left when the Texas attorney general sued to stop four battleground states from casting their votes in the Electoral College. He had support from a majority of the Republican House members.

I then sat back in shock on Jan. 6. The occupation of the Capitol confirmed my decision. The Trump followers are not interested in the public or the greater good, only power. They turned their back on the rule of law and on our founders precedent of peaceful transition of power. They didnt seem to care about the issues of the public, including employers like me.

I like what Mark Branse, a Republican Town Committee member, once wrote: My Republican Party doesnt just whine and lie about the other side; it stands for policies that we think are good for America: fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets, a free-market economy with the minimum necessary regulation, professionalism in government service, conservation of our natural resources, education and other support for those who are willing and able to work, and a modest safety net for those who, through no fault of their own, need that help.

But I dont think the Republican Party stands for those anymore. Today I see a party of no, not of policy.

Republicans used to worry about burdening future generations with debt and making promises that could not be kept. But they passed a tax bill that drove high deficits much higher.

Americans fought two World Wars and a Cold War to establish liberal democracy as the preeminent governance mechanism, instead of autocratic dictatorship. I do not want a leader who demonizes and destroys respectful disagreement. I do not want to see Liz Cheney erased as she was Wednesday because she has a different point of view from party leaders and is not afraid to express it.

I am disturbed by the partys almost cult-like obedience to former President Donald Trump. The price for crossing the leader is ostracism and ridicule, followed by rioting. Trump and his followers lies about a stolen election, abetted by Republican congressmen and senators, demonstrates his lack of respect for American values and governance and for professionalism in government service. His lie led to the tragedy of Jan. 6. The aim is not to serve the public and honor its wishes, but to retain power and stifle all opposition for the benefit of core supporters.

As a Republican, I believe that none of us achieves happiness all by ourselves. We have a network of family and friends to help us in our troubles and to educate us on the world. I also know that government is essential to do things we cant do ourselves, such as building schools, roads and libraries and making laws that guide societys behavior.

But Republicans in Washington dont seem to agree. Obstructing relief last summer when unemployment money was running out. Voting to eliminate the Affordable Care act without a replacement plan. These and other votes show that Republicans are not interested in improving the average persons life, nor providing for those who need a hand.

I think both political parties have failed us. The public is sadly left out.

I joined the Independent Party in the hope that it will be a broader-based group interested in the welfare of all people, instead of special interests at the extremes.

The Republican Party formed 150 years ago from anti-slavery Whigs and disaffected Democrats. I am hoping a third party emerges from the ashes of todays Republican Party to represent those of us who are in the middle and unrepresented now.

Chip Beckett, a local veterinarian, is a member of the Glastonbury Town Council.

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Opinion: I left the Republican Party because it left me - CT Post