In a democracy, opinions matter, but selfishness, topped with ignorance, hatred, and greed, are the progressive enemies of the people. A mindset that leaves not a skidder for compromise. Because compromise, in the mind’s eyes of an autocrat, can be a sign of weakness. And the price of compromise would be the acquisition of empathy and shame, a communion in the unity of souls. The only reward in 2022 would be the rebirth of a nation that is sinking into the abyss. The handwriting is in the ketchup on the wall.

Selfishness & Greed vs. Compromise is what’s really on the November ballot. As a facilitator, I challenged biases through the art of salesmanship, getting people to listen to each other. As a recruiter, I canvassed for attentiveness in America’s youth, the presents of mind, and the sparkle in the eye. Never striving to convince anyone for the sake of winning. Nor the need for a body to fill a quota. As a recruiter-in-charge, I lead by example while excepting nothing less. As a Zone / District manager, I canvassed communities where the welcoming was cold and brutal because of the color of my skin. Commanding my appearance, my uniform, and my pride in wearing it while being approachable was the first nuance to open communications.

For the last six years, my communications have been and will continue to be canvassing, not in divisiveness. With a challenge to the media in its propagation. A Bookmark for Life (The Child) and Grandparents in Unity 2022 (The Adult). Letters to the community, the church, John Hopkins, educational boards, and elected officials, along with six years of social media posts. Paragraphing each, could be converted into a book. (Don’t Limit a child to your learning, for they were born in another time.) If scrutinized, then peaceably banded under the auspice of critical race theory.

The biggest challenge for Republicans is not to abandon their party but to rebuild it by voting in this election in the affirmative, the mindfulness of we the people and not he the man. Take a page out of Liz Cheney’s playbook, who’s endorsing a Democrat. Rep. Slotkin (D-MI), Bringing the country back into the realm of together we stand—forsaking the fear of retaliation of choice—expelling the macronucleus need for power by one man, allowing the return to the sphere of one nation under God with bipartisan leadership. A mental procurement of liberty and justice handing it to our children and children’s children.

Henry L Faulkner Chief Navy Counselor USN Ret.