Letter to the Editor,

I recently saw a posting to the Editor on the Silver City Daily Press from the Committee to un-elect Sheriff Frank Gomez and all "DINO."  At first I was unsure of what "DINO" meant, so I started asking around. I was finally informed that "DINO" meant "Democrat in name only." The more I thought about it the more it bothered me.

I am a registered Democrat. I thought about my personal beliefs, morals, opinions and how I obtained them. Well, I obtained them from my parents, grandparents, extended family, religion, United States Constitution, history, verbal debate and real life experiences over the course of my life, same as I figure for everyone else.

Basically I can decide what I believe to be right or wrong, just or unjust without a National Platform having to tell me. I may not agree with the entire platform for a variety of reasons. So am I a "DINO" or is everyone who disagrees with me a "DINO," and who gets to decide? I'm going to stick with my own personal beliefs, morals and opinions and vote the way I was raised and for what I believe in, whether it's in line with the National Platform or not, same as I figure for everyone else.

I have never voted a straight party ticket in my adult life and don't expect to in any election. I vote based upon my personal beliefs, morals and opinions of the Candidate for that Office. I am ready for the day that Political Parties no longer exist and candidates have to run on their personal beliefs, morals, opinions, job knowledge and performance for who they will represent instead of a National Platform.

Thank you,

Jess Watkins/ 4th Generation Resident Mule Creek, NM.