Where Can Republican’s turn for the ‘Rule of Law’

Like many suburban Ohioans, I was born into the Republican Party – both of my parents were GOP faithful to their core. As a young man, my career took my wife and son on an adventure from Ohio to Michigan, and then back again to Ohio. My work in marketing governmental administration software – along with being a government finance director in multiple different and diverse communities – provided me a unique perspective on why the ‘rule of law’ is so crucial to securing democracy for our country.

As I’ve watched the Republican Party crawl towards its far-right, semi-fascist fringe, embracing phony fiscal conservatism (prosperity for the rich) and disrespecting our democratic institutions (baselessly denying election results), I’ve felt completely hollow inside. I’ve been disappointed by the lack of political courage of once "principled" GOP conservatives, frustrated by the increasing assault upon voting rights, and ultimately horrified by the blatant attacks on our democracy by Republicans at the local, state, and federal levels.

As a fiscally conservative, socially progressive defender of the ‘rule of law,’ I’ve been left with one place to go to fight back against this increasingly anti-democratic trend the GOP has embraced: the Democratic Party.

My life has endured the challenges of polio (contracted just before the polio vaccine in 1955) with braces, crutches, and now life in a wheelchair. With many physical challenges God blessed and provided opportunities starting with 3rd generation immigrant parents who instilled my brother, sister, and I with a suburban America work ethic, love of country, and dedication to working hard, a degree from Owens College, and a mind for numbers. My faith in the Lord endures with my loving wife of 44 years and our son.

My uncle fought in WWII with Audie Murphy (one of only 4 to return home alive) and would tell us of his firsthand account of what evil exists in fascism; and how anger, hatred, and bigotry are no solution for implementing change in any government. Having liberated several Nazi death camps, including Dachau, he saw atrocities that would never leave his memory, he spoke frequently of how the ‘rule of law’ was the only true form of stability for a democracy. He never considered himself a hero but referred to those that died as ‘hero’s’, he was a man fighting for his country doing what had to be done!

I cannot always agree with every plank of the Democratic Party platform. The candidates in Ohio like Nan Whaley, Marcy Kaptur, Tim Ryan, Sherrod Brown, and many of my local Democratic candidates, like Nancy Larson, remain our best chance to protect the democracy which my uncle and many American military defenders of our freedoms fought and died for! No greater gift a man has than he lay down his life for a friend!

To be clear, there exists no other viable option for an old-time, God-fearing Republican like me but to vote for Democrats who support our freedoms, liberty, and our American way of life. And I’m confident that as more moderate independents and Republicans relocate into the Democratic Party, there is a real hope that our conservative principles will find a home and strengthen this big tent party, and our country. My conservative principles might often clash with my new fellow Democrats, but at least we can disagree with civility, and in respect of our democracy.

My faith in God teaches me that He is in control and worshiping a political wanna be leader like Trump is simply another form of idolatry. With a firm belief in the Almighty and faith in the ‘rule of law,’ I will vote for candidates who will defend our democracy. Anything less is unacceptable.

Although the Democratic Party is not perfect – no political party will ever be – it is the best and only party that will defend and protect the ‘rule of law’ my forefathers have fought and died to protect. Until Republican leaders across our country regain common decency and respect for our democratic institutions, I am voting Democratic, and encourage all my fellow Ohioans to prayerfully consider doing the same.

Loren Sengstock, Retired Finance Director, Government Application Software Account Executive, and Citizen Auditor of Ohio. www.citizenauditorohio.com