While third party candidates occasionally win over voters in state elections, they generally lack the resources and ideological identity to create a viable movement toward the Presidency. In 2024, as usual, we are left with two parties, two choices. For the vast majority of Americans, the election issues boil down to an us-against-them contest, as if we are wearing different uniforms. I have a problem with that.

Because I believe that global warming is real, that a waste-based economy is the greatest cause of environmental issues, that renewable energy is our only recourse, and that Rachel Carson was prophetic in her warnings about the perils of man’s over-use chemicals … does that make me anti-capitalist, radical environmentalist?

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Because I don’t believe in carte blanche voting rights for anyone over 18 who can be prodded into a voting booth, and that some reform in eligibility standards should be considered (with awareness of this as a very delicate and slippery slope!)…does that make me an anti-voting-rights racist?

Because I believe that in a just society, the wealth of individual citizens should, at least to some measurable extent, be commensurate with their natural talent, acquired skill set, specialized training, or contribution to the common good. (In simpler terms, too many undeserving people have too much money.)…does that make me a communist?

Because I believe the tax write-off system should be overhauled and simplified with the expressed goal of preventing cheating among all citizens, and that wealthy people should pay more, does that make me anti-business?

Because I believe the most dangerous addiction in America is not opioids or any other drug, but rather technology, especially in the form of social media, video games, and super-guns; and because I believe mental illness is less a cause of violence than it is the result of the aforementioned addictions; and because I want to blame it on the abuse of the 1st and 2nd amendments, does that make me an anti-constitutionalist?

Because I believe there is far too much sex and violence used to target young consumers through advertising and the entertainment industries, and that the government is corrupted by the lobbyists who represent those industries, and that popular culture in general promotes hedonism and narcissism, does that make me some kind of bible-thumping holy-roller?

Because I believe that the major news networks (ABC, NBC, and CBS, NPR, PBS, CNN) are the most reliable TV sources for vetting and fact checking, and that the journalists who work for them are by and large dedicated professionals who are true to the principles of journalism – does that make me under-informed or gullible?

Because I believe that simply being on top of the food chain does not give the human species “dominion over all,” and that there are plenty of dogs (and other critters) whose souls are of equal or more value than many crappy humans – does that make me a non-Christian?

Because I believe that the far-left agenda is chock-full of hyped up claims of victimization and injustice, and that government money and time is wasted on people who are set on imposing their personal identity issues on the public…does that make me far-right?

Or because I believe the far-right is made up of three types of people: under-educated/ self-entitled bigots, Machiavellian-minded capitalists, and conspiracy theory junkies (perhaps they would benefit by spending some time in a big city to experience the amazing array of art and culture, and to witness the plight of the urban poor)…does that make me far-left?

Because I believe that to be a great leader, one also has to be a great human being (such as Martin Luther King)…does that make me naive?

Maybe. But I will cast my vote according to my conscience. I will vote for decency, for compassion, for strength of character. I will vote for the woman who will try to bring us together as one nation, and not the man who would divide us and then seek retribution.

Pete Howard is the author of The Hourglass Pendant and other Paul James Mysteries. He lives in Dunkirk and teaches ELA at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com