As a young person growing up in the south, and after 12 years of being taught that being a Republican meant more than just taking a conservative position on issues such as government spending and less involvement in the lives of the people, I was convinced. I felt certain that being a Republican meant one had the responsibility to ensure freedom from “Big Brother” and to do their part in protecting the freedoms of the country.

It meant fewer social programs, fewer government hand-outs and more jobs for those who had enough pride to work and care for themselves and their own. It meant being accountable for one’s own success and actions. I had come to believe that registering as a member of the Republican Party was the honorable and patriotic thing to do; I eagerly signed on the dotted line.

At the ripe old age of 18, being honorable and patriotic just felt right to me; Daddy was unable to talk me out of my decision; he was a lifelong Democrat and believed strongly in their more liberal ways. And, I must say that for these many years since I have believed that I was right and he was wrong. I don’t feel that way today, however.

Over these past several months, and most recently weeks and days, I have seen the Republican Party and its leaders devolve into nothing more than a group of tangled misgivings like one might imagine a bucket of earth worms winding their way in and about, over and under one another. When I read this past week that the Republican National Committee is continuing to stand behind the bombastic and racist diatribes of Donald Trump, I could take no more.

If one vote counts, then does the same go for one more member of a particular political party? If one sends a message by not voting, does making a party switch send a message just as well? These were the questions I asked myself lately, and the answer was simple – it matters … change parties!

Throughout my voting life I have always voted for the individual I believed to be best qualified for the office regardless of party. I voted for Ronald Reagan, he was the right choice. I voted for Barack Obama the first time, I felt he would make a difference; the second time around I voted for Mitt Romney. I did not vote for Donald Trump! I will continue to vote my conscience regardless of party. But I can’t remain associated with a political group who refuses to denounce the evils of hatred, bigotry and racism just to protect the party’s leader, or because they are afraid he might Tweet something mean about them.

As a little girl, I remember going to school where the water fountains were labeled “white only” and “colored”; the “white only” fountains had cool water, the ones marked “colored” did not. This didn’t seem right to me even as a child, but I didn’t understand why at the time.

As the daughter of a Pentecostal Preacher, many people came and went through our lives, not the least of whom was the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He and Daddy shared the pulpit one Sunday and I sat on his knee and ate pancakes from his plate. Throughout my childhood I listened to my father preach against hate and racism.

Daddy never saw the color of one’s skin, considered their accent as being anything more than interesting, and certainly he believed everyone was created equally. There was not a smidgeon of bias in his entire 6-foot 3-inch frame. Daddy was appalled at any act of hate against another human being, and preached against any form of discrimination from every pulpit at which he stood.

I grew up believing that Daddy was right, and that it didn’t matter what political party one belonged to as long as they remained true to the teachings of “do unto others” and held to the principles of “freedom and individual rights” as outlined in the Constitution of the United States. I grew up believing that we must stand for our values and cannot afford to look the other way when things seem to be going askew. I grew up believing that when we elect a leader it must be one with honor and integrity; a leader must lead with conviction and a purpose that is good for all, not just for their own self-serving interest. I grew up believing that political party didn’t matter as much as the character of the individual. I still believe these things, and that is why I can no longer be a proud member of the Republican Party – it just isn’t the party of Lincoln or Reagan anymore.

As much as John McCain and Lindsey Graham (I support these two men wholeheartedly) have tried to right the ship, it isn’t working; there needs to be a mutiny in Washington if things are to change, but that will take more courage than what I believe possible. The leaders of the Republican National Committee must speak out.

As long as the RNC continues to trot out excuses and provide cover for the President when he makes racists comments, pardons a man who for years used his power to intimidate, harass and arrest people due to their skin color, attacks anyone and everyone who says anything against him, then I can’t be a member of their team. Some will surely say, “good riddance” and that’s OK; if one vote can make a difference, then one less Republican might just be able to do the same. I just can’t stand by and pretend things are OK any longer.

I will leave you with this quote from Steve Maraboli, author, behavioral scientist and motivational speaker: “It’s time to care; it’s time to take responsibility; it’s time to lead; it’s time for a change; it’s time to be true to our greatest self.”

Change doesn’t always come easily, nor quickly; sometimes it takes sharing pancakes from the plate of the late Rev. Martin Luther King.

Have a great day.

Vicki Westling is a Dunkirk resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com