Letter: This Republican is voting for Harris

I am writing to call out J.D. Vance for his recent misleading statements regarding Haitian immigrants on Temporary Protected Status. Vance has framed this humanitarian program as a "problematic workaround," ignoring its bipartisan origins established by Congress in 1990. This status provides safety and legal work authorization to those fleeing disasters and conflict — support that was extended under both the Obama and Trump administrations.

Vance, alongside Donald Trump, has perpetuated false narratives, claiming Haitian migrants in Springfield are engaging in outrageous behavior, such as stealing pets and eating pets. We've all heard this lie. These baseless accusations only serve to incite fear and division among our communities. Such tactics are not just irresponsible; they undermine the very fabric of our democracy.

Historically, the Republican Party was the law-and-order party, but it has strayed under Trump's influence into fearmongering and hate. Their campaign is less about solutions and more about sowing discord, painting immigrants as scapegoats to rally uninformed voters. This is just one of many falsehoods they have used to mislead the public.

We must recognize these tactics for what they are: a concerted effort to consolidate power and install loyalists in government roles, threatening our democratic principles. If we wish to uphold a nation based on law, order, and humanity, we must reject Vance and Trump's fear-driven agenda.

I am a true Republican. I proudly voted for Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, George W. Bush and John McCain. I voted for Donald Trump in 2016, based on party loyalty, and look what it got us. That vote for Trump makes me complicit in the chaos, failures and divisiveness in America over the past eight years. I'm done with that, are you?

In the upcoming election, it is imperative to support leaders who prioritize integrity and compassion. Let us vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to ensure a government that truly represents our values and preserves our democracy.

Greg Hawley, Meadowview