A Letter from a Mother to her Adult Children before the 2020 Election
I am pleased that you have asked me to share my views regarding the upcoming 2020 election. I am reluctant to share my views because of your hatred for Trump. This is probably one of the most important elections of our lifetime. I know that I stand alone in my views with my family and many of my friends. I think differently but I think we all want to preserve our liberty and freedom. My daughter asked me “What are you afraid of?” My greatest fear is not Trump but the Democratic party and its radical socialistic views. They have already gained control of the press, schools, universities, cable news, tech companies, Hollywood, sports and many large state governments such as Washington, Oregon, California and New York. And just look at the chaos in these states (riots that destroy businesses and injure people, homelessness, sanctuary cities that allow illegal criminals on the streets, and high taxes that force people to leave.
You have asked me to share my perspective, thoughts and observations so that you can understand why I am a conservative. I am a registered Independent not a Republican. I am an independent thinker. I agree with you “that my values, ideals and hopes for this country are not represented by either party.”
How did I acquire my conservative views?
I grew up in the 50’s, an era that was very conservative compared with today. My father was a businessman who owned a business. He did not vote for Franklin Roosevelt because he did not like the way he was increasing the power and size of government. My father did not like the increasing regulations on the business community.
My mother’s father was also a small business owner of a feed store. I do not remember my mother discussing politics but I do know that she had conservative morals and values. My mother proudly worked at the voting polls during elections. She was paid a small sum and I think this was the only paying job she ever had after she was married.
I attended neighborhood schools where we proudly saluted the flag and said the Pledge of Allegiance everyday.
When we attended high school, most families were conservative. We joined a Christian organization and a popular social group at the time. Our values were shaped by our parents who valued family, church and conservative values. Most of my childhood friends that I keep in touch with today continue to be conservative.
I earned a degree in Elementary Education and History at the University of Washington where I graduated in 1963. I have continued my interest in history and I am well read on this subject. I had history professors who were socialists. I learned that if I memorized the ideas from the text books that they wrote, I could earn an A. There was no discussion of ideas or different points of views. However, I had one outstanding professor who taught a course on the Civil War. He did not write a text for the class instead he required that we read and research original documents and letters written during the Civil War. He wanted us to study the Constitution and State Rights and decide for ourselves why the war was fought. He led lively discussions and respected the right of students to speak their minds. The A I earned in his class was my greatest success in college! I learned that it was all right to think independently and the importance of backing up my ideas with research.
Fortunately my years in college were not interrupted by social conflict, riots or protests. Most of my friends and sorority sisters were conservative and are the same today. Young Republicans was a popular social group at the time. I attended an event sponsored by Young Republicans where Richard Nixon spoke to college students. This was before he was elected 1969.
I missed the turmoil of the mid 1960’s when there was social upheaval “make love not war” and Vietnam protests. I was busy raising three young children.
As a married couple your father and I spent many hours discussing politics, the law and current events. One of the things I miss most about your dad are the many conversations we shared. We had the same beliefs: our love of God, family and country. We were married in the Presbyterian church and our children were baptized there. I taught Sunday school and summer camp. We wanted our children exposed to the Christian faith but when you reached middle school we allowed you to make your choice about attending church. I do not attend church now because I believe that the emphasis taught in most churches today is focused on social justice rather than Christian values. I prefer to practice my spirituality privately and through service to my family and community.
Now that you know how my views were shaped—- this is how I will vote in 2020.
I am voting for the principles for which this country has stood since its founding in 1776 not 1619.
I am voting for Constitutional government.
I am voting for a strong and viable military.
I am voting for a vibrant economy.
I am voting for the right to keep and bear arms.
I am voting for the freedom to worship.
I am voting for a national recognition of the founding of our nation on Biblical principles.
October 10, 2020
I am voting for the ability for anyone to rise above their circumstances and become successful.
I am voting for my children and grandchildren to be able to choose their own path in life, including how and where their children are educated.
I am voting for our borders to be open to everyone who enters under our law and closed to everyone who would circumvent or ignore the law.
I am voting for the Electoral College to remain in place, so that a few heavily populated liberal centers do not control the elections.
I am voting for a Supreme Court that interprets the Constitution rather that rewrites it. I am voting to teach history, with all its warts, not erase it or revise it. I am voting for the sanctity of life from conception to birth and after.
I am voting for equal opportunity for advancement in schools, business and government based on success and merit not race and gender.
I am voting for a government that will protect our natural rights not the creator of rights.
I am voting for free speech in all areas of life not political correctness.
Thank you for letting me share my views. I respect your opinions and I will never try to change them. I am glad that you are taking an interest and that you have studied the issues.
We must all follow our own inner light. I do not judge you and I hope you allow me to think differently.
Only the future will determine the outcome of our decisions.
I will always stand up for America!
Love, Mom