Another newcomer saying hello...
Hi everyone! Ummm 43 year old retired disabled veteran here, just found this place. Looks like a much better place to post my opinions and feedback than facebook was (no longer on facebook!). I generally do not affiliate myself with a political party. I prefer to examine all of the information before making an informed opinion at the polling time. My leanings are definitely left though. Right now, I could not vote Republican because: their stance on women is wrong, I disagree with discrimination of anyone because of what they are and not who they have proven themselves to be, and because I feel it is an inherent responsibility for those who can to take care of those who cannot. I am sure someone will try to label or pigeonhole my political leanings, however, I won't do so myself as that would subconsciously prevent me from doing due diligence for every vote.
I spent 13 years in the US Army before being medically retired. I was both a Counterintelligence Agent and an Interrogator with a split in time of service. Currently, I am a union member and part of the dwindling middle class who sees my ability to fight for my rights vanishing before my eyes as unions are getting beat up and are likely to disintegrate under the current POTUS.
For some reason, it seems to matter, so I voted for HRC and would do so again if she had a chance to win again. I do believe she was more qualified than any of the Republican candidates or 3rd party options and felt she would do better against trump than Bernie would have. However, I did and do feel she is too far right leaning and is more of a centrist candidate who was pulled left by Bernie Sanders and would have done less for growing the middle class and reducing poverty than Bernie would have done.
I am married to an immigrant and in the spirit of honest communication, would have strongly considered getting her in country illegally as doing it legally cost me nearly 10k and she is not a citizen yet. The costs are exorbitant and with her mother dead and her father elderly, deaf, and in bad shape physically, it will cost at least that much to get him here as well to improve his quality of life before he passes. I was only able to afford it by doing without for a few years, but not everyone has that option and with that high of a bar to entry, I understand why a lot choose to come illegally.
I currently live in Omaha, Nebraska, and will continue to do so until forced to full disability. Luckily, there are enough liberals in Omaha that I do not lose my mind! 
My family is from Louisiana and talking with any of them post Trump is tough because we are always one fight short of not talking to each other again. Luckily my mom and younger sister are staunch liberals!
= new reply since forum marked as read
thank you for your service. Don't be shy. I hope you'll post often and I look forward to hearing your opinnions. Mt heart goes out to your wife, especially with her father being in such a precarious health situation. 
Most of our political focus these days is on the disastrous situation America is in with the Trump administration. But there are many other forums where you might find kindred spirits. Check them out. They're listed on the left side of the web page,
In any event, enjoy your time with us. I hope it's long and rewarding.
Vinton, 4 miles east of texas on I-10
for your well wishes, I am sure I will see you all around again soon
It's great to have you with us! I'm so sorry you're facing such a tough time with your wife and her father, kind of puts things in perspective for most of the rest of us. Thank you for your service - you might want to check out the Veterans Group here - and the Labor Group, named after a fellow Omaha native, one of our favorite DUers!
Veterans (Group)
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1179
Omaha Steve's Labor Group (Group)
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1117
Nice intro - you will have lots of company here.
