…and why you should too.
I somehow can’t believe I’m writing an article advocating for you to vote Republican in this year’s general election. I’ve never done this before. Instead of firing off random responses to what I see in the news or see on social media and attracting controversy, I thought it would be more useful to write a longer piece to lay out a position on why voting Republican is not only reasonable, but preferable. I trust there are many people who are undecided. My home state, Michigan, is an important swing state. So, this is chiefly for those who haven’t made up their mind yet.
Keep Going or Change Course
When considering which administration we want to be leading our country, we need to ask ourselves a simple question: do we want to keep going in this direction or do we want to change course? It’s not a tough question but it’s worth thinking through.
I’ve spent much time throughout my adult life outside the U.S. So, I see things with a different lens than many U.S. citizens do. With the benefit of comparing America with other countries, I’ve come to further appreciate and develop a love of my country. One example of this is when I defend our great healthcare as world-class when I hear people complain about it. I’ve experienced the difference between handling life-threatening disease in both China and the U.S. Americans have no idea how great the patient-centric healthcare is in the U.S. It is heads and shoulders above that in China and most of the rest of the world. Yet, I didn’t know this until I experienced something else, somewhere else.
This past summer, I took a day trip with my dad through the Lake Michigan lakeshore, winding along forgotten roads through sleepy towns just seeing what we could see. And, it was pure therapy.
1. Sleepy Towns with Shiny Dispensaries
But, one thing stuck out to me. Every one of those sleepy towns had a shiny new cannabis shop. I didn’t see much industry and thought about my own time finishing high school. I don’t know about you, but I’ve smoked cannabis back in the day before it was legal. And, what I can tell you is that there’s no benefit for most ordinary people. I would open a bag of Cheetos, sit and laugh for a while while watching something on TV and eventually fall asleep. I was completely unproductive. Thankfully, this phase of life during my youth didn’t last long, and I haven’t touched it since.
So, when I drove through those sleepy little towns, I thought about myself getting ready to graduate high school there and what it might be like to bag groceries at the local grocery store while thinking about one’s life direction. And, I thought about myself eating a bag of Cheetos, laughing through a mini series and passing out on the couch after my shift at that local grocery store. How sad this is for the youth of those small towns.
This brings me back to China. China would never legalize marijuana. The reason quite simply is that the country endured corruption from within when its people fell to opium addiction. They even lost Hong Kong to the British for over 150 years as part of the concessions from the “Opium Wars”, fought because Britain sustained Chinese opium addiction through its unfair trade. They learned something. No recreational drugs for the people except tea and coffee. Other countries in Asia are similar. They don’t want their youth squandering their lives at home eating bags of shrimp chips, watching TV and passing out with no motivation to better themselves.
The legalization of cannabis was up for votes in the State of Michigan in 2018. I remember hearing the rationale for making it legal. I was told it was great for a few reasons, but two stuck out. Namely, it keeps minor offenders out of prison so the prison system can focus on “real crime” with stretched resources. Secondly, the State would severely tax cannabis as a sin tax and earn much revenue to help pay for other programs. To me, it seems like there can be other ways of punishing minor crime rather than making it legal for convenience. And, it sounds like the State is making money off peoples’ weakness, which raises some more interesting questions.
Putting cannabis on the vote was a Democrat-led decision. One down for Democrats in my mind. Many more to go.
2. Male and Female He Created Them
One of the major changes I’ve seen over the past year in my hometown area in Michigan is bumping into more androgyny. This may be a trend. This past year, I’ve encountered men with beards and dresses in service roles at the mall and in coffee shops like Starbucks. I only ran to the mall a couple times over the summer. When I go, I like to buy nice soaps at a soap shop called Lush. This past visit, I couldn’t tell if it was a man or woman serving us. Not a big deal, but I find the growing ambiguity a bit strange. A few minutes later, we’re in line at Barnes & Noble with a stack of books. I’ve been going to B&N for decades as a place of relaxation. Now, with my kids in tow, we carry stacks of books to the register each visit. If it’s one thing I don’t mind spending money on for kids, it’s books.
“Next” I hear as I walk to the teller and lay my books down. I look up and was literally stuck in place. A man in a dress with stubble, make up and an unnatural voice asked if I found everything ok. “Yes, thanks.” Kids next to me looking up. Not sure what’s going on through their minds, but I paid up, grabbed my stuff and politely thanked the man (?) on the way out to the parking lot. I found the encounter so jarring that I didn’t know what to make of it.
Flabbergasted would be a good word for it. That this is normalized now in certain stores, like Barnes & Noble.
The fact of the matter is that men and women are different and unique. Are bearded men wearing dresses in a state of denial? Should we treat as normal what is clearly abnormal behavior, and encourage denial of reality? To be clear, I don’t believe in abusing or bullying. I simply think we should not force abnormal behavior upon society as something we must accept.
Would it be ok if women walk shirtless outside in the hot summer if they identified as a man?
One just needs to have a quick read of this bill which passed in 2021 to understand how this culture has been changing and is being forced upon us.
(Read Congressional Act here for details: H.R.5 – 117th Congress (2021-2022) )
Key language: “The bill allows the Department of Justice to intervene in equal protection actions in federal court on account of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The bill prohibits an individual from being denied access to a shared facility, including a restroom, a locker room, and a dressing room, that is in accordance with the individual’s gender identity.”
I have two young daughters. I care when happens to them when they grow up, and I want them to grow up in a safe environment.
This is a Democrat bill.
3. Perspective and Arguments by Tall White Guys aren’t Valid
Shortly after, I raised my concerns with a woman quite close to me (who was white), and I was told that as a tall white man, I’m used to social structures set up in the way I like. This is literally what I was told. I tried to explain that was ad hominem. Ad hominem is a logical fallacy, when one believes an argument is invalid because of who makes it. We see this all the time. An argument should be considered based on its merits, not based on who makes it.
Yes, I am used to men not wearing dresses. But, I suppose my point of view is invalid because I am a tall, white man. I should simply relax and treat this behavior as normal.
Many call these values “woke”. I used to think this was some concern of conservative people who are simply tired of liberal values and not to take too seriously. This was until I received an email from my alma mater, Michigan State University several years ago from James Madison College sharing that the school was making a commitment to addressing systemic racism and the perpetuation of whiteness. There were a series of initiatives outlined that the school would undertake to do this. I emailed the school in response thanking them for the update and that it was noble to pursue racial equality. But, I asked if they could use more inclusive language, as I was concerned about highlighting the “perpetuation of whiteness” in our pursuit of racial equality.
I didn’t receive a response, but I hope the school has decided to tone down on the racist language toward white people. All people should be treated equally.
We seem to be in an era where if you want to wear a dress as a bearded man – that’s ok in many public enterprises. But, if you challenge this as a white guy – watch out!
To be fair, if men want to wear dresses, it should be done in the privacy of their own homes. It shouldn’t be a crime. But, I don’t want my kids exposed to this abnormal behavior in public.
This should be obvious. Normalizing abnormal transsexual behavior is a Democratic Party value. Addressing this – including in the education system and in sports – is a Republican Party agenda.
4. The Economy is Important
Eating out has been very expensive. One of the immediate changes my wife and I noticed this past year is the price of groceries. To be sure, we eat well. Like education, high quality food is one of those things we don’t mind spending money on. But, the dollar definitely doesn’t go as far as it used to.
I’m aware that one of Trump’s policies is to lower corporate tax, while Harris wishes to increase it. We should align on good policy, not just good feelings.
I watched much of the Democratic National Convention. Some very inspiring speeches. People want to feel good. People want leaders with empathy and hope, two words that were continuously spoken. I agree in this desire and wish we had it. But, I cannot agree with or vote in support of much of the Democratic party’s agenda or its values. One is tax hikes on companies. Cut from 35% to 21% prior to Biden and now an agenda to raise back up to 28% does not help the economy or the people. The legend of Robin Hood has captivated hearts for decades. But, we need to move beyond the hope for legend and good feelings this year and look at what policies are actually best for the US and its people.
Raising taxes – whether corporate or individual – is not good for us.
(Read piece on taxation and economy: Wall Street Journal Editorial Board: The Harris Plan to Lower Your Wages)
There is other evidence under Harris and Biden that is concerning: the highest inflation in forty years, highest cost of housing in the same timeline, and the highest ever consumer credit card debt. I don’t have as high a level of confidence in the Democrat’s ability to run the economy in a healthy manner.
5. Sanctity of the Unborn
“I never even think of or even consider abortion so that is fair enough if important that does only leave the Republicans as the only option.”
This was part of a conversation I was having with a friend who leans strongly toward the Democrat position and very strongly against Trump specifically. When making my case with this friend on why I believe the Republican platform is strongest on the key issues, I raised the sanctity of unborn life as a major concern. This was not even a topic of conversation until that moment. He recognized that if my values on the sanctity of the unborn are important to me, then I really only have only one choice. We cannot fool ourselves into believing that we can vote Democrat if we value children in the womb.
Kamala Harris was completely unknown as vice president in the public eye, except for one issue: abortion. She traveled the country connecting with women and speaking about women’s right to an abortion as protected by federal law. Making sure women have access to abortion “care” and “reproductive rights” anywhere in the United States at any stage of pregnancy is a prime focus. She shook her head during the debate with Trump when he said she’d allow abortion until the ninth month of pregnancy. Yet, the evidence suggests that is precisely what she would do. Tim Walz, her VP selection, is renown for signing the first abortion guarantee bill in the United States in Minnesota after Roe vs. Wade was overturned – and for all terms of pregnancy.
Michigan’s Democrat governor repealed the regulation for a 24-hour waiting period in June of this year for women who want an abortion. While some women may be emotionally distraught and wish to seek an abortion to get out of their situation, they should be given a window of time to think through their decision and even receive counseling. Now, Michigan has one of the most extreme abortion guarantees in the nation – with no limit on term when one can have an abortion. Think about it: does it make sense that a child can be killed in the womb and be called “care” and a “right”, yet a couple weeks later the same activity would be considered a criminal act of murder by the larger public? It makes no logical sense.
Unfortunately, many men have been deadbeats, impregnating women and running off or shirking their responsibilities. And, what about the exceptions?
There are many things to consider and act upon so that women don’t suffer unfairly. And, what is the role of churches today? Should they not have a role in both caring for single mothers or even in taking children who are unwanted?
If life begins in the womb, as many if not most believe, then it has inestimable value and should be protected.
6. Tangible Experience
With all the talk and skepticism today in politics and challenges in believing the truth of what candidates say, I think it’s useful to look at the experience of the candidates and their primary advocates. While I can’t really point to strong tangible positive experience that benefits people from Harris, Walz or Taylor Swift, I can point to very strong tangible positive experience from Trump and Elon Musk. Vance doesn’t seem to disappoint.
During a trip to Chicago in 2018, my wife surprised me by recommending we stay at Trump hotel. She read the reviews. This may have been a pivotal point in changing my perception of Trump for the better. Quite simply, the hotel is superb. The view is the best in Chicago, right on the river with unobstructed views of Lake Michigan. The service was spectacular with cake, chocolates, Cadillac limo service for all hotel guests as requested, etc. And very cozy. It was so nice that I looked into a condominium in an upper floor as a potential investment property though I never wanted to own a condo. While the media tells us Trump is erratic, what my experience tells me is that he knows how to develop and run a superior business.
I’ve also ridden in many Tesla’s over the years. And, I use X as a source of media. Recently, it’s been announced that SpaceX will bring the American astronauts back from the International Space Station when no one else is able. Clearly, though Elon Musk is eccentric he knows how to positively disrupt an industry and provide unprecedented excellence. Trump recently announced that Musk would lead an efficiency commission for the government if he is elected President. Eliminating waste, cutting down on further regulation and bureaucracy would lead to excellent results for the American government. And, it’s worth considering why he is so passionately opposed to a Harris administration.
JD Vance’s accomplishments I’m less familiar with. But, I must say he makes a lot of sense to me when he’s challenged by journalists. He seems to be a clear thinker and knows how to defend himself. He’s taken interviews in dozens of media, both friendly and unfriendly. Where are the media interviews from his counterpart?
7. Legal Entry into the U.S.
This is an issue for many American voters. It doesn’t sit that close to home to me. But, it is interesting why it’s even an issue. People entering the U.S. should enter legally, just like other countries. I spent over two years and much sweat and legal fees securing U.S. residency for my foreign-born wife. She is quick to point out how crazy it is for the U.S. to simply allow people across the border and make them legal for no good reason aside from convenience.
Europe made some very bad decisions by not being tough on borders and have paid the price. The US should be tough on its borders. To be clear, being tough on borders doesn’t mean being prejudiced or mean. It simply means upholding the law. Either all people should adhere to the law or the law should be changed. Simply turning illegal aliens into legal residents because it feels good or is more convenient is both absolutely foolish and devalues U.S. residency, something many around the world aspire to have – legally.
8. Peace through Strength
Peace through Strength is a key pillar of the Republican agenda. For all the claims that Trump is a friend of dictators and we need to move beyond strong-man leadership, the facts cannot be disputed that there is far more international conflict today than under Trump’s previous leadership. To be fair, the world is complex and it’s probably a stretch to claim no global conflict would arise if Trump was President again. And, some claim that a reason for some conflict today in the Middle East may be because of Trump’s Abraham Accords (bilateral agreements between Israel and other States) and other action.
Context aside, the fact remains that though Trump is blamed for much disrespect toward the U.S. on the international stage, there is much more conflict today than there was four years ago. Without question. I have front row seats to some of the rising conflict before us today. I spend much of my life close to the Taiwan Strait and have clients from both Taiwan and Mainland China. If Mainland China were to invade Taiwan, the most logical time would be when the world is distracted by other conflict. With an increase in official Chinese party language this past couple years indicating potential reunification, this may come upon us sooner than we expect. This would be at least if not more disruptive as the war in the Ukraine. I personally think the chance of a military conflict across the Taiwan Strait is relatively low. And, I don’t think it would happen if the status quo remains. But, if pushed, China’s leadership has been clear in its willingness to take action. My personal view is that a technology or export blockade is more strategic and likely than all out war. What would the U.S. and its allies do if there was a blockade or cyber war that cut Taiwan off from global trade but there were no lives lost?
The Biden and Harris administration has shown that it doesn’t provide enough of a deterrent to bad or even good actors to reduce conflict. We need to consider this point very carefully because international conflict affects prices and quality of life for people far away, in addition to security.
9. Parental Rights
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, signed a law that should set off alarms for all parents. Assembly Bill 1955 (AB 1955) prohibits schools from notifying parents about their child’s desire to change their sex and to be referred by their incorrect pronouns. A term I’ve read about lately – gender dysphoria – is when one feels they are in the wrong body, that there is a dissonance between one’s felt gender and one’s body, what they were “assigned at birth.” The term itself is interesting. Who does the assigning at birth?
(Read for details: Bill AB 1955)
In California, regardless of age, if a child experiences confusion about their gender in school, the school is not permitted to tell the child’s parents. Importantly, this is not limited to high schoolers. This may also apply to primary school students.
Newsom is a popular leader in the Democratic Party. There are indications that these are shared values with many other Democrat leaders.
There are more examples of infringing on parental rights, but for me – this is enough.
10. Free (at least, Freer) Speech would be Nice
I realize that I have spent much time over the past couple years engaging in two unhealthy behaviors. The first is self-censorship of my own work and opinions. To clarify, editing written work to ensure a higher quality product and taking audience needs in mind is a good thing to do. What I am referring to here is going through my written work and opinions that I share in the public domain very, very carefully. And, nixing entire sentences, paragraphs, or even full articles for fear of the pushback. The second behavior is silence, assuming the more loving thing to do would be to simply let things happen and not get caught in the mess. The combination of being overly cautious or silent leads to a capitulation to evil. Killing children in the womb and calling it care is evil. Grown men wear dresses and calling themselves women is abnormal. Treating any race lesser than another is unjust. These things should be called out. And, my propensity of self-censorship and silence are both rooted in fear.
But, fear of what? Fear of man. Specifically, fear of losing my work prospects. I’ve had a very successful career working in public relations over the years. In a strange twist of irony, I’m not afraid of sharing my thoughts in Asia, where many people are in agreement or at least encourage an open exchange of ideas. I’m afraid of sharing this type of content with the American audience. In particular, the public relations and marketing professional audience. That audience is steeped in – and surrounded by – agendas that brands follow. Good or bad.
And, that, dear reader, is tragic. I am greatly saddened to confess that many of my skills of self-censorship, acute awareness of agendas, and silence in the face of evil may have been acquired and honed over the many years that I’ve lived in one-party China.
Should it not concern us when we see so many letters from the editor saying Trump is a “threat to democracy” or an “existential threat” instead of crafting their own persuasive argument against him? Or, when a President has his social media account shut down because he is such a “threat” while in office? Or, what about the fact that Harris and Walz are under nearly no media scrutiny as they ride on their crest of joy?
During the majority of this campaign, Democrat-supported media mostly claimed Biden was fit for office. The fact that Harris was not chosen by the people during the primaries but was snuck through after the public woke up during that embarrassing first debate between Biden and Trump should have us thinking. And, it should certainly not be thinking hopeful or joyful thoughts.
Make the decision that’s right for your family, your children and your country.
In conclusion, I want to leave you with this. One day, I was praying about our political issues and state of the nation. I was reminded of the moment when Moses, the great prophet of Israel was giving his final speech to the people as they were preparing to enter the promised land:
“Now Listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep His commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in His ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.
But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life….”
Deuteronomy 30:15~20
Stark Discussion 