By Gilda Duran
José Alfonso Garcia changed political affiliation from Democrat to Independent. And to that I say, “big deal!” Please note that I’m not criticizing him. I did that in November 2013, after the intervention of the Democratic Party in Lawrence. The Democratic Party came and two Democrats running the leadership chose to be protecting, endorsed one side. And you know the rest. I had conversations with several Democrats to see if we can switch parties together and send a message. At the end I went alone to City hall and I changed myself from Democrat to Independent. I posted in Facebook and I had good feedback.
Two Republican friends George Salas and Alex Veras recommended that I should have switched to Republican. And when I told Lorenzo what I had done he told me the same thing. In fact, he was more realistic; he told me that being independent does not mean anything because there is no recognized or organized party; it only means that you are not affiliated to any party. “If what you want is a change, put big girl pants on and switch to Republican.” My dear Lorenzo also told me that Donald Trump was going to win.
I agree with Jose Alfonso that the Democratic Party is no longer the same as before. And that the Democratic Party claims to protect Hispanics, but this is only while they campaigning. But I also understand that the good Democrats have been dying. Lawrence still has those Democrats who in the 80s, 90s and 2000 recorded all these voters without educating them of the three systems. I am guilty of that, I registered a lot of voters into Democratic Party vs. the Republican. It has been five years since I became independent and the only thing significant thing been nothing, so I say to Jose Alfonso big deal! I’m still receiving literature and brochures from Democrats, because they assume that I am a disillusioned Democrat. There are elections that I can’t vote or receives information. I have not been able to vote for candidates who I like because I don’t have any affiliation. In other words, I’m very disconnected.
In the last election I voted for Hillary who is a Democrat but only on Election Day. I couldn’t’ vote in the primary when the crowd was bigger. I had conversations with politicians in Lawrence about running a campaign to change Latinos to the Republican Party, and create a good balance in Lawrence. None have dared to do anything. I always remember when Carlos Gonzalez (Republican) ran in New Hampshire and even the Bushes came to support him. That impressed me a lot. I would love to convince William Lantigua to change party, change his followers and see what happens. My question for Jose Alfonso is if he is already helping Trump, why not change to Republican?
