To the Editor,

Some in the Republican Party push to hold a closed primary election. I disagree, and here’s why.

The results of the November 2024 elections served as a powerful reminder to every government body in this nation that they work for the individuals they represent. In this moment, there is a rare opportunity for government actions to bring people together, but also a risk of wasting that opportunity. Restoring a government that prioritizes the people over self-interest will inevitably expose and embarrass many politicians–and by extension, their supporters. Embarrassment is a painful emotional state because it is deeply tied to identity.

However, identity is also what builds culture. It broadens awareness that we are all different yet special in our own ways. With over 340 million Americans, our nation is a tapestry of unique individuals who, despite their differences, share common concerns. Government bodies must recognize and embrace this reality.

The election results were a landslide victory, but they were not driven solely by Trump or Republican supporters. Many individuals, concerned about the direction of America, cast their votes in support of various leaders: RFK for his vision of America’s health, JD Vance for the dream of overcoming the odds, Tulsi Gabbard for the defense of free thought, and Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk for their focus on national identity and security. In total, this represented the voices of 77,284,118 American voters–people united not by party, but by shared concerns for the country’s future. This is the opportunity we must recognize, rather than orchestrate an outcome, trust that an organic, patriotic, unified identity will develop. Communities will be better tempered for participating in the development.

As government secrecy and corruption are exposed, there must be space for individual reflection and healing. This requires compassion, understanding, and listening. A closed primary, by limiting broad individual choice, undermines this critical moment of national unity. Prioritizing party over patriotism risks squandering the special window of opportunity that the people have so clearly demanded.

Americans have spoken. If we truly listen, their voices will reveal an organic American identity–one that unifies communities and the nation through the individual values that shaped their choices. I hope that voice still echoes the original sentiment:

God above country. Country above party. Individual above government.

Eron Chek

Hancock County Commissioner

Weirton