To the editor:

Once again, ‘We The People’ have just celebrated Flag Day and the summer traditions of the July 4th season are upon us.

But beneath the surface of fireworks and summer concerts lies a nation in turmoil and problems on the home front. Some examples include:

• Pew research showing economic concerns, such as inflation, health care affordability, budget deficit, and drug addiction, are “very big problems” nationally; majorities also view the inability of bipartisanship (62%) and the state of moral values (54%) as worrisome.
• A Cato national survey finds that self‐​censorship is on the rise in the U.S. Nearly two-thirds — 62% — of Americans say today’s political climate prevents them from saying things they believe and getting engaged.
• A recent Gallup poll shows Pride in Being American remains near record low.

Locally, RI’s problems continue to get worse.

• Recent unemployment numbers hit 4%, which is higher than the national average and an increase of 48% in 12 months.
• RI’s anti-business policies continue to fester, as WalletHub’s annual state rating Ranks RI 50th for “Best States to Start a Business."
• Local opinions also reflect these deep-seated local issues that need to be solved, as the most recent RI Life Index survey about local quality of life shows most Rhode Islanders perceive steep challenges in cost of living and access to housing, health care, and cost of food.
  As Ronald Reagan said in the 1964 election cycle, this is “A Time For Choosing.”

On Monday, June 24 through Wednesday, June 26 you have the ability to officially join the ranks of the Bristol Republican Town Committee. During this three-day candidate declaration period (where office runners also declare), this time often doubles for when 'We The People' have the ability to get politically involved.

Not only does this give you an immediate voice in ensuring Republican and conservative ideas are heard locally, but it serves as a welcome call to others: you are not alone. Whether a national-issue Republican who believes in 'American Exceptionalism' or a local resident frustrated your concerns aren’t heard due to RI's historic single-party dominance, we welcome you.

As an official member of the Bristol GOP, your voice will be the tip of the spear ensuring your views and values are heard on the committee, town, state, and even national levels. Bristol Republicans have even made waves nationally, with several members being elected as delegates to Republican National Conventions during Presidential years.

To make this easier, the Bristol GOP will even offer to come to your house and bring the form to you. If interested please email the town committee at Bristol.RI.GOP@gmail.com and reach out.

During Reagan’s ‘Time For Choosing’ speech, he noted “…no such thing as a left or right…only an up or down. Up to … the maximum of individual freedom consistent with law and order – or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism.”

By joining the Bristol GOP, we hope to lift our town and state up together for a better tomorrow.

Will Sousa Grapentine
Bristol