Teri Larkee is a 61-year old White male who lives in Neeah, Wisconsin. He retired two years ago, after working 42 years as an electrician. He was a Democrat for many years, as were his parents and his relatives. He went to the Democratic Convention in 1988 as a delegate for Jesse Jackson. Twenty-five years ago he became a born again Christian, and since then many of his views have changed.
Neeah is located along the Fox Valley in northeastern part of the state. The Fox Valley is the third largest metropolitan area, after Milwakee and Madison. The economy is good, with low unemployment. Since the mid-nineteenth century, it was based on the paper and metal machinery industries. With the closing of a dozen paper mills, workers have been absorbed into other manufacturing positions.
Teri voted for Donald Trump because he thought the country was heading in the wrong direction. “He wasn’t my first choice,” he says. “Four years ago my wife and I helped the Huckabee campaign, hanging information on people’s doorknobs. Last year we didn’t work for any campaign.” He likes a lot of Donald Trump’s ideas. “I think building a wall is a good thing. The immigration laws that we have are not being enforced. I also think if people realize it will be a futile effort to come here, that might help too.”
“I wouldn’t call Donald Trump a real Christian. I think he has some faith but not a strong Evangelical faith. But the Republican party has more going for it on values for me, such as their opposition to abortion. I also think the Democratic party has changed a lot. It used to be for the ‘down and out,’ but it has changed over the years. My wife and I were union members when the unions were for the working guy. They aren’t anymore. Additionally, I’m opposed to the LGBT agenda. They are trying to force their agenda on everyone and aren’t tolerant of anyone who disagrees with them.
The election this year was very close. With just over 50 percent for Trump, Wisconsin was very divided. The Tea Party is not active in Wisconsin, and I think it’s just normal people who voted for him. We’re not the ‘deplorables.’ I thought that was funny.
Did you vote for Donald Trump or against Hillary Clinton?
Probably both. I was against Hillary Clinton because I don’t trust that she’s honest. I think the Clinton Foundation is illegal, and she’ll probably end up in jail if someone will prosecute her. I can’t believe that that FBI under Obama’s administration didn’t indict her. It was amazing.
I hope that Donald Trump and his administration revisit Roe versus Wade and turn that around. I also think that marriage is covenant, a sacred bond, between a man and a woman. I think it’s fine for gays to have a civil union, but not marriage.
Who did you vote for last time?
Republican. This year I voted a straight Republican ticket. In Wisconsin you can vote on either side of the ticket, except in the primary. I’ve gradually been voting for the person I thought was the best person, regardless of party.
Did you vote for Donald Trump because you like him as a person, or you like his policies or both?
I liked his policies. He’s a little crude sometimes. My wife didn’t care for him as a person at all, but it didn’t cause me any hesitation.
What are you hoping will change, and how?
I think they will stop Obamacare and they will replace it with a good plan. That’s a good idea, because it’s just going nuts. I’m in a retired group plan. But there is so much care that is mandated in Obamacare that the cost of the insurance I have has more than doubled. Another thing I’d like to see changed are the judges. I think they are making law from the bench. Judges are supposed to interpret the laws, and Congress and the Senate make the laws.
What would you like people who did not vote for Donald Trump to understand?
As a country, we will always have differences of opinion. Now it’s changed and things are going in a different direction. I think it’s our turn. I’m on Facebook, and I see so much bitterness. We didn’t riot in the streets when Barack Obama got elected eight years ago. I know that people are worried that this administration will turn their world upside down. Some things will get rolled back, but I don’t think it will be devastating to them.
I think Donald Trump will take the lead, though it’s not just him. It’s more the Senate and the Congress, and they will slow down the changes. This administration will have a level head about governing, and there will be change. I think that’s why people voted for him.
If someone from another party would make the changes you want, would you consider voting for him/her?
Yes, because I’m not tied to the Republication Party at all.
What do you think about the anti-Trump demonstrations that are occurring?
I don t think they should be demonstrating at all. People voted for Donald Trump, and he is our president now. I don’t remember protesting in the streets when Barack Obama got elected.
Do you think hate crimes have increased? If so, what do you think about that?
I don’t know if there is an increase in hate crimes, but there is an increase in hatred for law enforcement and police. There are bad cops no doubt about that, but ninety-nine percent are good and want to do a good job and do things right. Things have changed over the years; law enforcement officers aren’t respected anymore.
Do you find any common ground with your friends/relatives who voted differently from you?
I’m not making a lot of snide comments like a lot of people are right now. Some people are so bitter and angry. I try to avoid the subject. Hopefully, time will heal this.
I didn’t de-friend people. We are neighbors, we spend time with people, we try to be friends with them. I think our friends will survive this, even though we have a difference of opinion. We will all be successful, because things will turn around. America will be a better place and we can all rejoice in that.