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To the editor:

We had 81% of registered voters in Davie County vote in the 2020 election. That’s a significantly higher number than turned out nationally, only 66%. Still, that was the highest national number since the1900 election.

While voting is important, being an informed voter is more important. Voting is like going to doctor when you know you have a problem and are looking for treatment. The treatment you get is more likely to be successful if you have looked at some of your options before talking with your doctor. You never want a treatment that is worse than the problem.

My wife and I make a list of what is important to us and then evaluate where the major candidates stand on issues which includes looking at the fact-checking of their statements. I would never dream of telling her how to vote, but being a smart Southern lady, she is well informed, and I certainly listen to her opinions.

I graduated from a military school with a motto of “Truth, Honor, and Duty.” My college’s motto was “Veritas” which is Latin for truth. Then there was my mother who always guaranteed me that telling the truth was the safest course of action under any circumstance.

I do not seek to tell anyone how to vote but I do want to share my priorities. Yours are likely different but maybe my list will help you put together your own list and if you thought about it before voting, I will have achieved my goal.

Facebook is not a reliable source for information, but I still love good newspapers where the truth is valued. I am sensitive to the power of the press, but I am also respectful of the duty a writer who must get the facts right.

Here are the characteristics that I am looking for in our next President.

1. Respect our constitution and our system of government.My college years were spent studying colonial American and British history when our Declaration of Independence and Constitution were written.

2. Respect for the truth – some might stretch the truth but those who attack the truth with lies won’t get my vote. In the same vein, I have zero tolerance for those who push conspiracy theories and that includes those creating confusion with lies while trying to gain political advantage.

3. Belief in the power of government to do good. I am no fool. I realize that not everything done by government is the best solution. However, I do believe government has been a positive influence. Roads, schools, police, libraries, research and a military to protect us all are benefits the government bring to us. The government also brings help in times of disaster and pandemics. Programs like Medicare, Social Security, and the Affordable Care Act benefit many of us.

4. An understanding of how government works. Often government is demonized and when someone is elected who does this and doesn’t know how it works, little gets done.

5. A belief in the sanctity of our institutions. Certain processes, like elections and their certifications, have kept this country going since our founding fathers stood it up in 1789. I have no use for people who try to tear apart our government or disrespect its institutions.

6. A willingness to compromise and reach across the aisle. My way or the highway does not work in an evenly split country. The government would not be open today without recent bipartisan support of the last continuing resolution.

7. The mental capacity to handle the world’s toughest job. Someone who becomes President must be clear-headed, intelligent, articulate and capable of debating the issues and other leaders. They must be able to make a compelling case for what is right for the country.

8. The ability to focus on the issue at hand. It is critical that our President be able to zone out distractions and focus on the important things that need fixing. Carrying grudges and seeking to settle scores is not part of the job.

9. The ability to handle a crisis. Whether the crisis in the Middle East, Ukraine, or the next pandemic, I want someone as President who is tough, thoughtful, and willing to stand up for American values and work with our allies to protect our world. Being hotheaded, vindictive, or petty are disqualifying traits as is the lack of courage to stand up to Vladmir Putin and other murderous tyrants.

10. Belief in science, progress and the people of this country. We face many undeniable issues like climate change, adapting our agriculture to changes in the world, hardening our infrastructure, healthcare, and preparing for the next pandemic. Anyone who denies the power of vaccines is disqualified. I grew up in the 50s and remember polio and the first vaccines for it. No one questioned the need.

11. A refusal to demonize others. I have zero tolerance for leaders who demonize other people for the color of their skins, the way they speak, where they are from, or what they do.

12. A willingness to put the needs of the country before self. Someone who looks at the Office of the President as way to enrich himself or herself and friends is not presidential material. The ability for self-sacrifice and the commitment to help everyone no matter their politics is important. Using the government to enrich yourselves, family, and corporations is a disqualifying trait.

The issues that matter to us are listed below.

1. Our economy/Inflation. We are part of booming economy in Davie. Much of the country is experiencing the same. The wizards at the federal reserve have managed bring inflation down to 2.2% without a recession. Our current economy is the envy of the western world. I do not want someone who seeks to fundamentally change it. We should just tweak it to make it fairer. The rich are already rich enough. At the state level we do not need to back to the bathroom bill days.

2. Healthcare/Medicare/Affordable Care Act. I am not stupid. I know which party tried 70 times to repeal, modify or otherwise curb the Affordable Care Act. I do not trust that party on any medical care issues. I am pleased to finally see the government using its negotiating power to lower prescription drug costs after years of that being blocked by the same party that tried to kill ACA. Before Medicare we were on ACA, and it saved us thousands of dollars a year. I believe everyone has a right to affordable healthcare.

3. Taxes. I have been working and paying taxes for 55 years. I believe everyone should pay their fair share. I am not impressed with people who brag about not paying taxes while driving on the roads which I helped finance. No one who makes a lot of money and that includes corporations should escape paying their fair share.

4. Social Security. I have paid into it my whole life. Our family like many others depend on Social Security. I expect the next President to protect it and enhance it.

5. Immigration/Border. I believe the best solution to illegal immigration is to provide a better and more open legal path for immigration. Much like prohibition led to a thriving trade in illegal alcohol, I suspect the difficulty of finding a legal way into the US has led to all sorts of illegal activities. I also support the tough bi-partisan immigration bill that killed by one of the candidates this spring to provide a campaign issue. The border bill provided the improved security that we need.

6. Tariffs. Where possible we should work to eliminate tariffs which have proved to be an expensive solution. Every study I have seen shows that consumer costs increase with tariffs. The last thing our country needs is more tariffs and more trade wars. It cost our country $66B to compensate farmers for lost markets during the last trade war. There are better ways to use our tax dollars.

7. Deficit. I am looking for the candidate with the best proposals whose programs will raise the deficit the least.

8. Voting Rights. Citizens have a right to vote. Making it harder to vote is only a way to keep some people voting so another can win an election unfairly. I also believe we need bi-partisan committees to do redistricting. I also in favor of scrapping the outdated electoral college system.

9. Abortion. I would like to see Roe vs Wade reinstated with consistent common-sense regulations. A patchwork quilt of regulations is already resulting in the needless death of women. Neither I nor the government should be telling women what to do with their bodies. Where people have had a chance to vote the right to abortion has been enshrined in law.

10. Military. We have the most powerful military in the world. We need to keep it strong, but we should do a better shop of reintegrating soldiers into society while making sure that injured soldiers receive the best of care.

11. Supreme Court/Congress. Both need term limits and reform. We should have a national debate on both.

12. Police/Crime. We feel as safe as we ever have in our lives that includes the 16 years I lived in Canada where gun deaths were almost unheard of. I own a shotgun and believe in the right to defend myself. I do not think anyone needs an assault rifle to protect themselves, for target practice, or for hunting. Go vote but be informed about your choices before you make them.

David Sobotta

Mocksville