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To the editor:

A little background. I am a 91-year-old retired married man, living with my 87-year-old wife, in a house we had built some 20 years ago. We were married in 1958. My health is reasonably good – I do not now smoke or consume alcoholic beverages. Exercising daily for about 40 minutes including 36 push-ups, my mind and body are relatively sound (my doctor says that I am in good shape-for the shape I am in). I feel very mentally alert. However, I no longer do the yard work.

In the early 1950s, I was a sergeant in the Army Counter Intelligence Corps, serving with the occupational forces, stationed primarily in Stuttgart, Germany. To vote in the 1952 election, I had to vote an absentee ballot. This was during the time that Truman was voluntarily leaving the Presidency (Truman was one of the most honest and honorable of our Presidents). It was also about the time that the Democratic Party began deserting me, my beliefs, and my philosophies.

For some 50 years or so, I have been a registered Independent and voted accordingly.

Educationally, I hold an undergraduate degree from UNC-CH, an MBA from UNC-C, and a graduate degree from Rutgers. My Mom and Dad taught my siblings and me to be truthful, fair, not to steal, always share with those less fortunate, and to just try to do what is right. I am a disciple of the American Free Enterprise System- believing in fair competition, incentive profit motive, and freedom to pursue legitimate goals unencumbered by too much governmental regulations.

Again, I have already voted this year by absentee ballot – because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A friend told me that he did not see how I could vote for Trump who is egotistical, sometimes projects the image of the ugly American, and is often a bully. I told this friend that I had already voted, and if he would just listen, I would tell him exactly how I voted which is as follows:

I voted for the First Amendment and freedom of speech.

I voted for the Second Amendment and my right to defend my life and family.

I voted for the next Supreme Court Justice to protect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I voted for the continued growth of my retirement funds and the stock market.

I voted for the return of troops from foreign countries and the end to America’s involvement in foreign conflicts.

I voted for the Electoral College and the Republic in which we live.

I voted for the police to be respected and to ensure law and order.

I voted for the continued appointment of federal judges who respect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I voted for jobs to remain in America and not be outsourced all over again to China, Mexico and other foreign countries.

I voted for secure borders and legal immigration.

I voted for the military and the veterans who fought for this country who gave the American people their freedom.

I voted for the unborn babies who have the right to live.

I voted for continued peace progress in the Middle East and in support of Israel.

I voted to fight human/child trafficking.

I voted for the freedom of religion.

I voted for the American flag that is in disrespect by some in the Democratic Party.

I voted for the right to speak my opinion and not be censored.

I’m not just voting for one person. I am voting for the future of my country.

I voted for my children and my grandchildren to ensure their freedoms and their future.

Now……What are you voting for?

I sincerely hope that the majority of the voters in the United States vote as I did – so that we can preserve and protect the American Free enterprise System and reverse the trend of turning to the leftist socialistic forms of government.

The author of some of this material is unknown; I have added to and edited some of the above. My statements are true.

Ralph H. Bowden Sr.

Greensboro