One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that if you truly stand for truth, you will be hated—especially from a political standpoint. That’s because truth doesn’t fit neatly into any particular political party or ideology. Sure, one party might align more closely with the truth than another, but they all have their flaws. Blind loyalty to any political party, ideology, or politician will inevitably lead to a compromise of truth, principle, integrity, and, ultimately, hypocrisy.

A friend put it well when he said, “Politics will make you oppose principles you are supposed to stand on.” That’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s the sad reality we’re living in. Over the years, I’ve watched as conservatives repeatedly abandon true conservative values in favor of the Republican Party or a particular politician. While this has always been an issue to some degree, it’s more pronounced now than ever. Christian values and conservative principles are tossed aside when the favored party or politician doesn’t line up with them.

Just look at some recent examples. I’ve seen professing pro-life conservatives rally behind ultra-liberal, pro-abortion Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services. I’ve watched conservatives who supposedly believe in free trade cheer on Trump’s tariffs without blinking an eye. Even more disturbing is the way some freedom-loving conservatives have openly supported authoritarian regimes like Russia while dismissing democratically elected governments like Ukraine.

And don’t get me started on the double standards regarding truth. Christians who should be standing firm on honesty and integrity have been quick to spread lies and conspiracy theories if it helps discredit their political opponents or prop up their chosen leaders. The same folks who once prided themselves on being the party of “law and order” now cheer on lawlessness—just as long as it serves their side. Conservatives who used to be staunch defenders of free speech now don’t hesitate to silence opinions they don’t like. The party that rightfully fought against government overreach in the past is suddenly just fine with it if it’s their favored politician doing the overreaching.

But here’s the kicker: The moment you dare to call out this hypocrisy, you’re instantly labeled a RINO. Let me be clear—I’m not a RINO because I’m not even a Republican. I’m an independent, and for good reason. I learned long ago that if you don’t toe the party line perfectly—lies and all—you’re branded a traitor. It’s practically a mortal sin to criticize the party or a particular candidate who happens to be favored at the moment. That kind of groupthink only leads to hypocrisy and compromises the very principles that conservatives are supposed to stand for.

Honestly, today’s brand of Republicans has turned me off of the party more than ever before. They’re the most unprincipled and hypocritical I’ve seen in my lifetime. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not about to become a Democrat. My conservative values and Christian principles haven’t changed one bit. In fact, that’s precisely why I’m so disillusioned with the Republican Party. Standing on true Christian values and conservative principles inevitably puts me at odds with the Democratic Party platform, but it also puts me at odds with much of the rhetoric and behavior coming from Republicans today.

That leaves me in an awkward position: either I keep my mouth shut or I brace myself to be hated by folks on both sides of the political spectrum. I choose the latter. I’m okay with being hated—because I’d rather stand for truth and principle than sell out to the hypocrisy that’s become all too common.