Ronald Crawford

After serving my nation for 23 years and with 22 years overseas experience I can assert from first-hand experience and knowledge that our adherence to the Rule of Law and Separation of Powers are aspects that set our political system apart from the majority of nations where I have served. Democracy is about empowering, not reducing, the number of people participating in our elections, increasing those that speak through their votes, and remembering that Democracy is based upon compromise - everyone gets some of what they want - but not everything they want. The politics or winner takes all, all or nothing, and appealing only to the extremist wings of any party are the enemy of successful Democracy. Dishonesty or appealing to base instincts over intellect disqualify you from my vote. Provide the people facts and truthful information not opinions and grievances. Wrapping yourself in the flag does not elevate your cause or your divisive words - it merely reveals your efforts to manipulate - the people. Our flag and our Constitution are not props that you can use to create and air of credibility to your lies, disinformation, and manipulative efforts.