When we receive our ballots and sit down to express our wishes by marking our ballots, I think we should think deeply about the impact of the vote we make. In particular we should consider the impact our vote makes on the rights of others. Does your vote signify a limiting of another’s rights? How about controlling others? Consider taxation.

When you vote for a new tax, it affects not only you but your neighbor down the street who might not agree with you.

Consider whether we are a country of individuals with independent rights or are we a country where the rights of the majority always prevails and curtails the rights of others.

Our country was unique at its inception, our founders recognized the sovereign rights of individuals, that government was to be limited, that freedom and rights of individuals was maximally important, that government was to do only those things that individuals could not do and that would benefit everyone. Please do not vote to limit or take away your neighbor’s rights.

If you believe strongly enough in an issue, work for it, try to convince others by the strength of your arguments for your position, donate your money for it.

Please do not force others to your position through the ballot.

Allow our country to heal and be less divisive.

Daryl Kuiper

Colorado Springs