Reflections on Political Choices and Introducing the Bald Eagle Party
As a politically active citizen, my journey has seen significant evolution over the years. In 2016, my first election, I was an ardent supporter of Donald Trump. I didn’t just vote; I volunteered tirelessly at the Jackson County Republican Party, going door-to-door, making phone calls, and distributing signs. I was all in.
By 2020, my perspective shifted. After four years under Trump’s leadership, I concluded that while he might be a great businessman, he fell short as a leader, especially as the leader of the free world. This realization led me to vote for Joe Jorgensen. During this period, I came to respect figures like Barack Obama, not just for their policies but for their character. Obama's openness about being a cigarette smoker and his efforts to ensure that his habit did not negatively influence the youth were actions that resonated with me.
Moreover, I noticed the absence of the “We the People” White House petition site, a platform started by Obama that Trump frequently censored and was completely removed on Biden’s first day in office. This prioritization puzzled me and left me questioning the direction our leadership was taking from the very first day.
Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve learned two crucial lessons:
1. No single President or administration can be the ultimate demise of our nation. Fear should not drive our political choices.
2. The absence of effective leadership can be equally, if not more, dangerous. Watching the current administration’s handling of critical moments, I’ve become increasingly concerned about the lack of decisive leadership.
With these insights, I am more committed than ever to political engagement. I’ve founded the Bald Eagle Party to restore and revitalize a sense of patriotism and unity in our local communities and across the nation. This party is about fostering respectful dialogue, valuing strong leadership, and ensuring that we never lose sight of our foundational principles.
Thank you to my neighbors in Jackson County and beyond for listening. I invite you to join me on this journey.
KILLIAN YATES