This upcoming election is a turning point for our country. Forget about Trump and Harris and consider instead, whether we choose a democracy or an autocracy.

I am a 60-year Republican; 30-year Independent. I voted Republican through the Bush Administrations, until I saw the Grand Ole Party go in a direction which I could no longer support. I felt it really went off the tracks with the Trump administration and the MAGA movement which has spread hate, vengeance and negativity instead of policy. The response to COVID was a disaster and many promises, like Mexico paying for the border wall and the defeating of a congressional bill which would have addressed the issue, all for the self-interest of creating a political issue.

As a WWII veteran, I invite everyone to vote and even if you are a Republican who does not agree with the Democrats on issues, vote for our democracy, not an authoritarian dictatorship.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.