From the time I began to formulate political opinions in my early teens, I identified with the Republican conservative ideals of small government involvement and free enterprise economics. As we moved into the 21st century, a number of events began to influence a shift in my beliefs.

Post 9/11, I was moved by the national spirit and encouraged by the early response of our leaders on both sides of the aisle. When the Bush administration guided the nation into the War on Terror, I was supportive. When we discovered that Iraq didn’t have a stockpile of WMD, my faith began to erode as it appeared that either George W. Bush wasn’t being truthful or that he was being misled by his advisers. However, I continued to vote for Republicans.

I was excited about John McCain’s run for the presidency in 2008. But then he picked Sarah Palin as his running mate. Whether this was really his preference or he was pressed by the RNC, I don’t believe he could have made a worse choice. Although I never lost my respect for Sen. McCain, I was disillusioned and, in the end, I voted for Barack Obama, my first Democratic vote.

Over the last two decades, I have been dismayed by the Republicans’ blocking of gun control, despite the senseless slaughter of American citizens, including Columbine, Sandy Hook and the Pulse Nightclub Orlando, to name just a few. It is disheartening that no real action has been taken to prevent these tragedies and that my young grandchildren have to participate in active-shooter drills.

I was in disbelief when Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016. Although I was not a fan of Hillary Clinton, I voted for the Democratic ticket. Things have turned out even worse than I could have expected. Since he took office, he has demonstrated a complete inability to be presidential.

Watching the impeachment proceedings, I am even more disheartened by Trump’s Republican supporters. The Republican Party is engaging in a campaign to gaslight the American people. I hope in 2020, all senators up for re-election who vote to acquit Donald Trump lose their seats.

BONNIE LeBLANC

Concord