Letter to the editor: Tough choice for independents

After doing the Democrat/Republican thing for a decade apiece, I’m now well into my third decade of being an independent. Sometimes it’s not easy being an independent, especially around primary time in Pennsylvania. Yes, I know it’s my choice. Living in a closed primary state that suppresses independent voters is something I’m willing to live with to avoid joining either side and blindly voting for a letter in front of a name.

Since “my independence” I’ve been able to vote for candidates from both established parties based on my view of their qualifications and platform.

After a bit of research and attention to detail, I picked out who I believed was the best person for the job regardless of party.

However, lately it’s becoming difficult to choose, since I’m aware that my vote for any candidate ties me into their party’s platform, no matter how insane or radical it might be.

I get that both sides have “extreme” wings that try to pull the party further away from the middle and compromise.

Right now as I see it, the far left has yanked the Democratic Party so far over the edge that they are unrecognizable even to party stalwarts like RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard.

Anyone with open eyes should not need convincing. The Democratic Party has cornered the market on insanity and is heading full steam toward the cliff.

Without a strong third party, sometimes we independents have to make choices we don’t love because the alternative is more frightening.

Tim Kaczmarek

Natrona Heights