Most of us in US share these beliefs

Editor: Let’s celebrate our 250th with common sense. Regardless of political affiliation I believe the vast majority of the people in our country share most of the following:

■ We are a Republic and not a Democracy, as our Constitution states. Equal representation, smaller federal government and more state control is needed.

■ Controlled borders that vet people carefully before allowing entry. Bypassing the vetting process and you’re illegal (not undocumented).

■ Sanctuary cities/states protect criminals and do not belong anywhere in our country.

■ Criminals should be treated equally in all states: arrested, tried and, if appropriate, sent to jail. Then, if illegal, sent back to their country of origin.

■ There are just two genders as God provided, and men do not belong in women’s competitions.

■ Free speech should always be protected, until it becomes physically abusive and unlawful.

■ Gun ownership, our second amendment, should be protected. You should never get away with blaming an inanimate object when you commit a crime.

■ DEI should never be a hiring factor. People should be hired based on their qualifications and trainability, not because more minorities are needed.

■ Valid identification required to vote and receive government benefits.

■ Recognize that our representatives or shephards may be corrupt, regardless of political affiliation.

■ We should always help people who need hand-ups, but not lifetime support based on laziness.

■ We need crackdown on waste, fraud and abuse in: health care, Social Security, government benefits and voter IDs.

Jerry O’Halloran

Punta Gorda