Although I appreciate some aspects of conservative ideology, such as the value placed on the nuclear family, it doesn’t make me a conservative. I consider myself an independent thinker with conservative tendencies when it comes to matters that directly affect my life—nothing more, nothing less. My children are all adults and make their own decisions. At the same time, I align with broader liberal views and reserve the right not to be affiliated with any religion, for example.

With the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaching in the next 40 days, it’s clear the country is deeply divided—not just on the candidates, but on the issues. A tight race is predicted, and much of the discourse reflects this polarization. Take the Ukraine-Russia war, for example. Many people, including those in the media and on various podcasts, make the assumption that because someone holds some conservative views, they must oppose Ukraine in the conflict. That’s a big mistake. Many U.S. voters with conservative tendencies support Ukraine 100%, but here’s the distinction: as an American, I plan to vote for the candidate who addresses the issues that matter to me most.

For me, these priorities are:

1. Handling the economy, especially inflation and prices, in a way that benefits my interests first.
2. Following the Constitution, and working with Congress to make immigration policies more efficient and effective, if necessary.
3. Taking law and order seriously, particularly in relation to violent crime.

These are my main concerns as a voter in 2024. This doesn’t mean I don’t care about foreign policy—it just isn’t my priority. Ideally, I would like both candidates to support Ukraine as one of their top concerns, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. So, should I vote for a candidate who prioritizes Ukraine but neglects the issues that matter most to me? Or do I choose based on what directly impacts my life? The choice is clear for me.

If your priorities are different—whether it’s foreign policy, abortion, or LGBTQIA2S+ issues—then vote based on your own conscience. I respect that. After all, it’s your vote. I don’t have to be involved in every issue, especially ones that don’t directly impact me, like the Ukraine war or abortion. That’s for politicians and lawmakers to handle. As for me, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there—if I get there.

By Luis de Andrade