Here is a Letter to the Editor in today's Hamilton Journal-News that I find myself nodding approvingly at through the entire read...What is a "real Republican?" I keep seeing signs (with) "The Real Republican." I must ask myself, what is a "real Republican?"Mr. Smith, thank you for your service and your words. You truly are a Great American and a class act.
I am a full-fledged conservative Democrat. I ran for several public offices in Butler County, held my own, but lost to the Republicans. I am here to tell you that these Republicans were not figments of my imagination. They were real Republicans who defeated me. The pain and experience of defeat was real.
The Democratic Party in this county would fare better (and probably wish) that the Republicans here were not real and merely figments of their imaginations. I realize the slogan "The Real Republican" is directed against Chuck Furmon.
I am a disabled veteran of the Vietnam War era. I know Mr. Furmon is a quiet individual. He may not have served his country as a military veteran but he has served his country, city and county all of his adult life ... He has been a police officer (and) went out every day to lay down his life on behalf of others. He also chose to serve and continues to serve others as a public servant.
Chuck Furmon is the only commissioner who both began and continued life as a public servant in his choice of political affiliation — Republican. His (fellow) commissioners did not. So does that make Mr. Furmon a real Republican? I think not.
Mr. Furmon has not forgotten what he wanted most: To be a servant of the people. Mr. Furman has never turned away anyone. He has a special place for veterans ... Mr. Furmon is a "Son of AMVETS," (and) has received the highest award and honor given by AMVETS, a very distinguished award set aside for high-ranking officials. Very few are awarded.
Mr. Furmon also was a big help in restoring an American Legion Post that was down to one member. He, along with (Sen.) Gary Cates, helped in the restoration of the post and proclaimed "Havelock D. Nelson Post 681 Day" in Butler County, to help give this post a solid place in the county ...
Is Mr. Furmon a real Republican or is he like so many of us? A real American! If you have doubts if Chuck Furmon is real, just mess up his hair; you will see a tear in his eye and know he is real.
Melvin A. Smith
Past commander
Havelock D. Nelson Post 681
Hamilton
UPDATE:
