In 12 days, we shall know whether or not the campaign of those attempting to excommunicate me from the politics of my town, for standing on the very principles which I was elected to uphold, succeeds. I was elected, campaigning on a vision of a public government that works for its people. To protect equal rights under the law, and uphold the natural rights of humanity recognized in our constitution. I was elected to participate in the everlasting battle between the public and private sector, on behalf of the public. I was elected to assist in bringing about a legislative body which calmly, and carefully, enacts the legislation it advances in the process of becoming law. Allowing self-ID as a matter of law, or a medical community captured by its corporate boards to carry out the destruction of a child’s endocrine system by attempting to prevent puberty - putting them on a path to life altering ‘surgery’ which would make Mengele giddy in the grave; is not what I was elected to do. Circumventing the basic rights to due process, because some want to quickly satiate the entirely justified fear of gun violence in this country; is not what I was elected to do. Forcing medical intervention onto people, by allowing the unelected agencies of our state to ignore the citizens’ right to know their full rights. Including to informed consent, is not what I was elected to do. Attempting to paint me as an anti-vax, gun toting, bigoted, attention seeking show horse; is an effective election strategy. Though none of it is true. I may be cursed with the look of a Budweiser, but that doesn’t change the fact I’m work horse at heart. Pushing people who have asked the questions I have out of the party, will leave it wholly unsuccessful in the long term. In this election; I’ve watched people gang up on anyone who dares suggest support for me online. I’ve seen them told to leave the party, to shut up, and I am unbelievably tired of such childish behavior displayed by adults. Yes, that’s politics. I know. But I will continue to yearn for higher standards. Having many great elders, with unparalleled wisdom around me; I know that it was not always this bad. I choose to believe that it will not always be. Whatever happens on November 3rd, this election serves as but one of many examples as to why Democrats aren’t systematically crushing the Republican Party right now. Thanks for having me on to discuss some of this, Gracie. Be well.