Editor,

This letter is in response to John Stone’s letter, “Voting Democrat is the only way,” in the Saturday edition of The Record.

First off, I cannot believe that no one has replied to this statement. Second off, I can not believe that The Record has even published this as a “letter to the editor.” To me, it seems to lean towards bait (shame on you for publishing this), or just the way this paper’s editor leans (even more of a shame).

Regardless, Mr. Stone has provided all of us intellectual voters with exactly the knowledge that we have come to understand. Your word is just that — words.

I, and hopefully any other out there willing to hear my statement, will understand that politics are politics. It is difficult to find a “just” democrat,” same as there is a “just” republican. There are lobbyists on both sides that control what either side thinks and does; don’t fool yourself on that. Money is involved. Ownership and favors, regardless of what you want to believe.

I have a great friend who was a lobbyist, and was not able to outbid his “foe” — he was bidding for a Democrat — and his platform was something that I believe in, but, the Democrat withered to the money, the other side of the equation. So, tell me, are you so blind to just vote Democrat just because? Vote the way your heart tells you to, but do your research. Voting blindly is just negligent.

PHIL SHINNER

Clinton