It’s every citizen’s duty to vote

Well patriots, it’s that time again! Time to select the men and women who represent us in the offices of governance, for better or worse! Like the marriage vows, we’ve been witnessing the downside of each vow for the past four years! We’ve had the “worse“ economy, we’ve become “poorer” and “sicker” as well, due to government shutdown policies!

1: What do you look for in the person who will represent you?

I look for strong constitutionalists who reflect the Christian values of our founders. Our founders didn’t always see eye to eye but the importance of their goal, to unite our country, overrode the less important minor personal desires!

2: What are your hot buttons? I have many, but;

• I want our United States government to follow our Constitution which is clearly written and easily understood!

• I want our children to receive a quality education, to learn our founding documents and to become critical thinkers, not indoctrinated robots!

• I want people to take their obligations as American citizens seriously, to take the time to make informed decisions and vote! I’m tired of people telling me they’re not going to vote because the choices aren’t to their liking! Well, put on your big girl/big boy pants and grow up! We all have to grow up sometime!

Voting is a privilege and a duty, the responsibility of every American citizen! Our military fight and die for our country so that we can remain a sovereign nation and keep this sacred privilege! Shame on those who choose not to vote! America’s enemies don’t need a military force to bring down America because America has enough homegrown apathetic “citizens” and self-serving politicians in office who have deserted their post!

Patti Ruple

Oak Harbor

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, July 2

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Friday, June 27, 2025. The sweeping measure Senate Republican leaders hope to push through has many unpopular elements that they despise. But they face a political reckoning on taxes and the scorn of the president if they fail to pass it. (Kent Nishimura/The New York Times)
Editorial: GOP should heed all-caps message on tax policy bill

Trading cuts to Medicaid and more for tax cuts for the wealthy may have consequences for Republicans.

Burke: Assessing dangers to democracy, knowing how to respond

In judging a threat consider Trump’s intent and his ability to carry out his intentions.

Oppose passage of ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in Congress

The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” threatens half of America’s children. (“Medicaid cuts… Continue reading

Stand up to oppose cuts to Medicaid and more

I am a senior citizen, having believed for the years of my… Continue reading

Skip the private fireworks displays, please

As everyone knows, our great country’s birthday, The Fourth of July, is… Continue reading

Comment: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will be hard sell to public

Republicans now must explain its cuts to health coverage, SNAP and clean energy credits and additional debt.

Alaina Livingston, a 4th grade teacher at Silver Furs Elementary, receives her Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic for Everett School District teachers and staff at Evergreen Middle School on Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: RFK Jr., CDC panel pose threat to vaccine access

Pharmacies following newly changed CDC guidelines may restrict access to vaccines for some patients.

Making adjustments to keep Social Security solvent represents only one of the issues confronting Congress. It could also correct outdated aspects of a program that serves nearly 90 percent of Americans over 65. (Stephen Savage/The New York Times) -- NO SALES; FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH NYT STORY SLUGGED SCI SOCIAL SECURITY BY PAULA SPAN FOR NOV. 26, 2018. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED.
Editorial: Congress must act on Social Security’s solvency

That some workers are weighing early retirement and reduced benefits should bother members of Congress.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, July 1

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Dowd: Trump obliterates any sense of reliance on facts, truth

Any attempt to set the record straight is met with charges of having a lack of respect and patriotism.

Saunders: Price to pay for GOP senators who defy the president

Trump wants his Bill Beautiful Bill passed; and soon. Republicans’ future may hinge on it.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.