To the Journal editor:

As an independent voter, the policies of both the Republican and Democratic candidates for president are very important to me. In the past, I have voted for members of both political parties for president. In the coming election, there are policies on both sides that I am not in favor of. There is, however, something more important than policies in this election and that is the character of the person who would be our president.

Former President Donald Trump has been charged and indicted on four separate crimes. Due to delays and appeals these cases will not be adjudicated until after the election. There is, however, something for which he has not been charged or indicated for, which is potentially a far greater concern. Donald Trump has repeatedly and openly expressed his respect and admiration for authoritarian leaders while at the same time showing disdain for our allies. His connection to Russian President Putin is particularly troubling. He sees Putin as a strong man who has complete control over his country. Understanding Putin and his power, allows one to see why Trump wants to emulate him.

In November 1989, when the Berlin Wall came down, Putin was serving as a KGB agent in Russian occupied East Germany. Shortly thereafter the Soviet Union began to come apart. In 1990, he resigned from the KGB to enter politics with a goal to never again see Russia humiliated in that way. Putin became president of Russia in the year 2000. He is the longest serving president since Stalin. Currently, in accordance with the Russian constitution, he has the power to appoint all key members of the government. It is understood by all of these individuals that they owe not just their position but also their absolute loyalty to him. Because of the power that he has, Putin has also been able to control the limited opposition to his authority. Any serious opposition has been ruthlessly suppressed with long terms of imprisonment or death, sometimes referred to as “mysterious circumstances.” The most recent example was the demise of his most serious political opponent, Alexei Navalny, who died suddenly and mysteriously.

Donald Trump gives every indication that he intends an authoritarian-type presidency. It’s clear that those placed in key government positions will have to swear loyalty to him. We know there is a very long list of those from his former presidency who were either fired or resigned because they were not “loyal” to him. People like them, unlike those who acquiesced, will not be there if Donald Trump is reelected. He, of course, intends that there shall be no guardrails on his governance.

Of course, there are those who feel a strong authoritarian president would be good for our country. As a retired U.S. Army Intelligence Officer with 22 years of active-duty service, I have a different perspective. Seventeen of those years were assignments to directly related Russian activities. I witnessed first-hand, Russian authoritarianism. I believe if most Americans had these same experiences, they would not elect an authoritarian.

Just recently, Donald Trump explained on Truth Social his plan for revenge if there is cheating in the coming election. He said “Such people will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, which will include long-term prison sentences.” He added “that this legal exposure extends to lawyers, political operatives, donors, illegal voters and corrupt election officials.” Yes, character really is more important than policy.