Response to "Why I Quit the Republican Party"

Submitted by Vickie Harrell (United States), Aug 3, 2016 at 16:11

Dear Mr. Pipes:

Over the years, I developed respect for you and your intellectual integrity. I ask you, as one who wavers between the pan and the fire, what do you foresee should HRC be in the WH for at least four years. I foresee disaster. Her record as a public servant could not be worse (although, I understand there are other ongoing investigations of her conduct as Secretary of State even as I write). Are you leaving because you foresee Trump will be elected and cause an equivalent scale of disaster for the country. Do you dream of picking up pieces?

I ask with sincere respect and mean no sarcasm. For, as one who is deeply interested as a citizen with a descendant in her childhood, I wonder if there will be pieces around to pick up and repair into a whole. With regret and grief, I see the US today as a failing, if not failed state. With our debt, our public institutions, infrastructure and borders failing; no, I see Trump and Clinton as indicative of a failed state; I cannot sit out this election. I speak and write on fb, which is all I can do.

You, however have the weight of authority and an institution behind you. Don't step aside; offer leadership before it is too late and by truthful persuasion. No one can lead from a position of neutrality. Offer solutions to our dilemma. Or say nothing at all. Contrary to the media, many of us are not stupid, not uneducated and lacking social skills or graces. We are genuinely concerned and looking for leadership and guidance. I at least think that the fear of taint by association to a candidate, who is running hard on populism lacks the integrity of a true explanation. We need the leadership of those who understand where we are standing and the courage to say.

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