Dear Editor,

Normally I don’t respond to critics, but since Dr. Spiker declares my views “nonsense,” I believe I should elaborate on my “winning” views for his enlightenment and for the Belmont County Democratic candidates.

First, Dr. Spiker, you should know since you read my views that I advocate for integrity, peace, the Rule of Law, our Constitution and Democracy.

Second, due to the fact that our area’s opinion media is very conservative, at least 95% of The Times Leader, The Intelligencer, and the Wheeling News-Register op-ed pages along with the local TV broadcasts (owned by Fox and Sinclair) are overwhelmingly right-wing, my view is that there is a compelling need for an opposing view.

Third, my view of Donald Trump is that he is a criminal, an immoral lunatic (brags about grabbing women by their private parts and parading in dressing rooms at teenage girls’ pageants, etc.), a proven liar (over 30,000 lies), led an insurrection against our Capitol, and is a clear and present danger to our Democracy.

Fourth, the Republicans have forsaken the party of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ike. Instead we got Nixon (a crook), Reagan (Vietnam and phony “welfare queens”), H. Bush (Iraq), W. Bush (Afghanistan), and Trump (insurrection and the “Big Lie”). My view is I am done with the current crop of spineless, illiberal and undemocratic Republicans.

Just for your info, Dr. Spiker, my views have been validated at the ballot box. I was elected to two four-year terms, in dark red, Oneida County (Utica/Rome), to the position of County Executive, in rough New York politics.

My views are also espoused by my son, daughter-in-law, and a daughter, all doctors (two M.D.s and a Ph.D.), Dr. Spiker.

This is a winning formula my fellow Democrats.

Bill Bryant

St. Clairsville