Sammy Ravelo Op-Ed: Why I Left the Democrat Party

As a proud veteran and former NYPD lieutenant, I have dedicated my life to serving America, standing up for the right thing. I’ve been on the front line as a Gulf War veteran and again as one of the first to respond in the 9/11 attacks. I stood up for the security, justice and American values that we value so deeply. In 2020, I ran for Congress under the banner of the Democratic Party, believing that the party would defend those principles and values that I grew up in as a Dominican. Unfortunately, my experiences in Democratic Party politics have shown me otherwise, leading me to the decision to leave and vote for Donald Trump.

First, let’s talk about the border. Our nation is witnessing an unprecedented immigration crisis, which Democrats have consistently failed to address. Border security is not just about immigration; it’s a matter of national security and it’s vital to the safety of our citizens.

Inflation is another urgent problem. Under Democratic policies, we have seen rising prices that have affected every American’s pocket. Families are struggling to make ends meet as living costs rise and wages stagnate.

As for law and order, having served as a police officer, I am well aware of the importance of a strong legal system for maintaining peace and security. Unfortunately, Democratic narratives have often empowered criminal elements, causing demoralization in police forces and chaos in communities.

Endless foreign wars have been a burden on our army and our economy. Democrats have too often adopted interventionist policies, putting the lives of our soldiers at risk and exhausting our resources in battles with no clear objectives or benefits.

In education and personal values, the drive for gender ideology has sometimes moved away from scientific bases and reasonable discourse. These radical policies have put at risk the future of our children’s understanding and social norms.

Moreover, under the current political climate, a worrying pattern has been the war on religious beliefs. The freedom to practice religion is fundamental and is being challenged, often ignored in favor of other social policies that do not go with our values.

Finally, as someone with Dominican roots, I am deeply concerned about the sovereignty of the Dominican Republic. Policies that undermine the autonomy of nations, pressing them to adhere to a global ideological agenda, threaten our cultural identity and independence.

These are the critical issues that have prompted me to leave the Democratic Party. My hope is not just for change, but for policies that reflect American values: security, fiscal responsibility, justice and freedom. For me, it is clear that under the current policies of the Democratic Party, these pillars are at risk. That’s why I chose to support Donald Trump and change the Republican Party: a vote for the integrity and strength of America.

Sammy Ravelo left the Democratic Party and is now President of the newly created Dominican-American Republican Club.