To the Editor:

Does the character of political candidates matter? I think that it should. This year we have a Republican candidate for president who is a bully, a cheater (on all three of his wives), and the Truth is not in him. “A felon (34 counts) convicted by 12 jurors of his peers.” A person who cannot identify with working people and only has compassion for multimillionaires who want tax breaks. Dozens of people who worked with him and respected Republican leaders have openly endorsed Kamala Harris, because they believe he is not fit to be the leader of the free world.

Yet, inexplicably, some sincere Christians are supporting him. The Christian Nationalism movement, armed with Project 2025, believe that he will be the Savior to make the USA a “Christian nation.” If elected, over 100 Executive Orders are already prepared for him to implement on his first day in office to remove and replace many federal workers by appointing his political supporters. One can find similarities to the way Hitler gained complete power by schmoozing up to the church leaders in Germany, so they would not object when he blamed all of the country’s problems on the Jews, which he then had “removed.” Today in the US, immigrants are the targets.

We need to remember that at the beginning of our Nation, people came here for Freedom, particularly Religious Freedom. That is why the First (and most important) Amendment begins with not allowing Congress to establish any religion or “prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” People fled their homelands for a place where they could worship freely, but it was not easy even then. Thomas Jefferson later clarified the issue with his “separation of church and state” interpretation to calm the fears and assure that church leaders had protection from the government. Some of our forefathers were Christians, and the Bible was often the only textbook available at the time. But the United States never was established as a Christian nation. The values of Justice, Liberty, domestic Tranquility, and promoting the general Welfare were the reasons the Constitution was established. It is important for leaders to exemplify Christ-like qualities such as truth, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self control. Other faiths value and practice the same behaviors – which is good for any country or community.

Now we have a candidate who seems to think these qualities show weakness. He makes up “alternate facts,” promises violent retribution on his detractors, and has indicated he plans to be a dictator, (“vote this time, and you will never need to vote again”). This does not sound like Freedom to me. If Christ-like qualities were criminal, there is not enough evidence to convict him. 

“America is great because America is good” was the example of democracy and freedom that many other countries have tried to emulate. The USA has allied with other countries in trade and mutual interests and protection because we have been seen as reliable and trustworthy. If our President is not faithful in his life or loyal to friends (his own VP), other countries definitely notice and will decide that the USA cannot be trusted. “To Have a Friend is to Be a Friend.” The USA still needs friends.

If America is to become a more Christ-like nation, then let’s look at Jesus, our example, who was an immigrant when his family fled danger to another country. He had compassion for the sick and poor, and he showed grace and care to women who were in difficult or crisis situations. Jesus healed them and wants women (and men) to have whatever health care they need.

I am voting for a strong, experienced woman, who instead of whining, actually works with others to solve problems. A seasoned attorney, she successfully prosecuted abusers and organized crime leaders. She collaborated to design the bipartisan bill that dealt with our complex immigration issue. She chooses competent people who are qualified and willing to work together to find solutions. Kamala Harris shows compassion for People, with a sense of joy and hope that this country needs and that I am ready for. 

Dee Anne Grummon

Great Bend