Opinion
Another Veteran’s Perspective
This veteran is exposing John Butler’s utilizing his Rear Admiral (USN, Ret.) rank, military service, and America’s founding documents in his form, “A veteran’s perspective: Choice for VA-6” (9/21/2026), to attempt to project his perceived authority, create a bond with patriotic Americans, and persuade them to believe his broadsides against Rep. Ben Cline and vote for Democratic activist Elizabeth Macy, whose Democratic Party used social engineering (LGBTQ+, DUI) to weaken our military and detests our founding documents because they prevent Democrats from achieving everlasting political power.
Admittedly, Butler’s rank carries authority (“pulling rank”? (I’m joking)) if his authority derives from expertise that’s related to the issue at hand: the congressional midterm election. Because Butler’s expertise is national security, the Navy, and submarines- not the election- his attempt to use authority becomes a “Misuse of Authority” logical fallacy. Therefore, Butler’s opinions carry no more credence than those of other knowledgeable citizens, but we still honor his military service.
Republican-sounding Butler said, “(I’ve)… followed a life plan based on my favorite part of the Declaration of Independence – ‘Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.’” Sir, how so? Does your concept of “Life” protect the unborn, or is terminating life up to the time of delivery acceptable? Our Declaration says “all men… are endowed by their Creator with “unalienable rights…”, those God-given rights, inherent in our humanity, that can’t be removed; whereby, government’s ultimate purpose is to protect those rights.
But Democrats like Virginia’s Senator Kaine believe human rights aren’t unalienable, but alienable – created by governments to give and take away. Butler, are rights unalienable?
Butler reveres the Constitution and pledges to uphold it in the Navy Officer Oath of Office, “… which remains a lifetime commitment.” However, his Democratic Party’s big tent of cultural Marxists, Marxist-Leninist Democratic Socialists of America, and Muslims requiring Sharia want the Constitution – that protects our Republic and individual rights – changed by packing the courts, eliminating the Electoral College, and/or the U.S. Senate, etc. Butler, do you support your Party’s torpedoing of our Founders’ Constitution?
Butler accuses Rep. Cline of “Not Helping the Valley” because “… he (isn’t) exactly known for introducing new bills.” Cline serves on 4 powerful House committees, Budget, Judiciary, Intelligence, and Appropriations, plus 6 subcommittees in the 119th Congress. As Congressman, he’s sponsored 61 bills and co-sponsored 1,104 bills for the Valley and Americans.
Butler would have Cline introduce legislation to restore food stamps (SNAP) to illegals and healthy non-workers, and restore the Unaffordable Care Act’s expired, temporary COVID-related funding before VP Vance’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud effectively eliminates GAO’s estimated $233B to $521B in annual waste, fraud, and abuse. Let’s clean up current spending before deciding to spend more. When have congressional Democrats addressed fraud, or crime for that matter?
Butler lists “strawman” issues no congressman can solve single-handedly, then disingenuously attacks Cline, who’s aware of and working with other congressmen and Trump’s administration on the listed issues, many of which Biden’s Democrats created or didn’t fix. Cline defends America’s principles, traditional family values, and a strong America, actions Democrats won’t take. Let’s re-elect Ben Cline. He’s trustworthy.
Donovan “Mark” Quimby
Frederick County, VA
About Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor reflect the views and opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Royal Examiner, its staff, affiliates, or advertisers.
The Royal Examiner welcomes a wide range of viewpoints and encourages thoughtful, respectful discussion on matters of local and public interest. Publishing a letter does not mean the Royal Examiner endorses the opinions, claims, or conclusions expressed by the writer.
Statements and claims made in letters are the responsibility of the authors. The Royal Examiner may not independently verify every factual assertion contained in a submitted letter, and readers are encouraged to consider the information and opinions presented with their own judgment.
Not all letters submitted will be published. The Royal Examiner reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length, grammar, and compliance with editorial standards. Letters containing personal attacks, offensive language, unsupported accusations, or material that may violate the law may be rejected.
By submitting a letter, the author grants the Royal Examiner permission to publish, edit, reproduce, and distribute the content in print, online, and other formats.
We value reader participation and welcome differing perspectives. Letters to the Editor are an important part of community conversation, and we encourage readers to share their views on issues that matter to Front Royal, Warren County, and the surrounding region.
