Editor’s note: This commentary is by Neil Johnson of Waitsfield, who is state chair of the Green Mountain Party and the owner of the Johnson Real Estate Group. He was an independent candidate for the Washington-7 district in the Vermont House of Representatives in 2018.
[T]he truth about Vermont Republicans, Democrats and independents is we have far more in common than we do in disagreements.
Vermonters as a whole are very tolerant, live and let live, it’s your life, it’s your destiny, chart your course, discover universal truths, be your own person. Many in our state work to create division, they feed organizations from both sides to keep us from coming together, they keep us from bearing the fruit of truth that brings us love, joy and peace, the basic spirit of Western Civilization based upon Judeo-Christian truths.
Kristen Vrancken’s commentary, “The Fallacy of the Vermont Republican,” listed all sorts of “reasons” why Vermont Republicans are evil and repugnant, should never be associated with due racist tendencies, etc. Saying things about former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker applied to our governor and every Republican in the state.
Vermont Republicans are very pro-family. Many, not just Republicans, believe that family planning is the essential foundation for a stable home and prosperous state. Vermont’s statistic of 50% of all births being unplanned is a serious issue. Having a sound family basis, financially and relationally, before bringing a baby into the world is something everyone can agree is a good plan. Drugs and alcohol abuse break down the family structure. Affordable home ownership is a stable foundation to build a family.
Vermont Republicans are pro-worker. Not only that, they are pro build your own company, charge your own wage, set your own hours, be as successful as you like, do not be limited by a minimum wage job. This sentiment is shared by many. Vermonters of all walks want our teachers paid well and to succeed. They have backed this up by offering the best benefit and wage package bar none across our state. Republicans want financial stability, they want the retirement fund in good order. Sadly, those in power have made things worse with regard to teachers’ retirement.
Vermont Republicans are anti-choice. Vermont Republicans, independents and Democrats all agree that children should be born into a stable situation with love, security and time to raise a child. It’s paramount to the well-being of our children. People are taught it’s OK to do something else. Why haven’t we all addressed the issue of 50% of births being unplanned? It’s something we can all agree should be planned, babies cherished. So why aren’t we? It’s not 1950, we know what causes pregnancy, there really is no excuse.
Yet we are pigeon-holed into a fighting over something that science, religion and nature all agree upon because we are selfish. Meanwhile we fight, rather than come together in the true spirit of love, joy and peace.
Vermont Republicans seek justice. To deny there are corrupt Republicans would be to deny reality. Ask any Republican if there are corrupt people in the party? They will agree with a resounding yes; they too want the corruption to stop. There is also corruption in all parts of government, it’s a huge problem. You will find Republicans will walk side by side with any Democrat or independent to reduce and eliminate corruption. It’s also why so many are staunch defenders or our Constitution and Bill of Rights, which protects the smallest minority, the single person against tyranny of the majority and corrupt governments and officials.
Republicans are homophobic. By far the vast majority have no interest in your personal sexuality. Surely some are, just as in any party. Unless you are the married partner of the Republican, they are usually not interested in your sexuality. Sex is used today more than ever to confuse and divide people. It is the original glue that keeps people together, it is very powerful stuff — religion, science, anthropology and nature all conspiring. Being selfish and seeking one of the ultimate sources of pleasure, we can often go astray from a divine plan supported by nature, heterosexuality perhaps being the biggest offender by far.
Republicans are racist. This is the favorite divisional tool in today’s toolbox labeled Alinsky’s special tools — everyone is racist. Republicans want the best for their brothers and sisters regardless of color. Republicans would be the first to offer school choice, so people in poor, run-down areas regardless of color can step outside of their failed public schools and get a good education for free. As a society we raise and honor Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Steve Harvey, Larry Elders and any other successful person of color. We want others to enjoy and share the fruits of America, by adopting our principles and foundational truths that set our country apart and above all others. We’d love for Mexico to do the same. The choice is for Mexico and its citizens to make. Would they rather have a constitutional republic with a Bill of Rights — it’s easy and available to copy — or would they have a country lead and influenced by drug lords?
Republicans are anti-democracy. This statement the writer got 100% correct. You will find however that independents and Kennedy Democrats are also anti-democracy. Why? Because we are a constitutional republic. This fundamental, simple, yet extremely powerful slight is an indication of how far our educational system has completely failed our country. To not understand these basic truths, to not understand the basic foundational differences between our country and all others, means we have fallen prey to purposeful and intentional misleading, outright lying and propaganda that is being spread across our country.
We all need to avoid he many traps set for us to divide, set for us to hate, set for us to take away hope.
The choice is ours to make. Republicans, Vermont Republicans seek the love, joy and peace, the fruit of Western Civilization. What will we choose this next election? What will you support? Hate or love?
