Adam Kinzinger is a very impressive man. 

He stands up for what he believes in, he is extremely respectful and down to earth, and after meeting him and spending a bit of time with him, I can tell that he is an extremely kind man. We need more men like Adam Kinzinger in politics. People who stand up for what they believe in, regardless of the backlash they might receive in turn. 

I don’t agree with Adam Kinzinger on many of his positions at this point in time. But that is okay. Disagreements are okay, and debate is even better.  

One point that Kinzinger made quite clear was the fact that every voice, whether Republican or Democrat should be heard, at least to an extent. 

“If you’re a conservative that believes in insurrection, I would keep your mouth shut,” Kinzinger said while answering questions from the crowd that attended his speech. 

I understand where Kinzinger comes from with that. 

As for the dinner with Kinzinger, it was an experience I won’t soon forget. 

Several representatives from different parts of campus, such as representatives from the Political Science Club, The Decaturian, and other clubs were represented at the dinner, totaling around 20 students, joined by Kinzinger. 

To start off, the students went down the table and provided a short description of themselves, including where they were from, why they were at the dinner, and what organizations they were involved with, if any.  

Kinzinger was extremely attentive and interested, asking many of the students more information about themselves. He even answered several questions himself about the decision to vote Democrat in such an important election, and the controversy that is voting for a different party. 

“Conservative movements pull the country back when it is going too fast,” Kinzinger said. “Progressive movements push the country forward when it needs a kick in the butt. There is this dance that occurs in self-governance, which actually leads to what makes the United States the most prosperous country in the world.” 

Kinzinger also shared the importance of voting, which is extremely important regardless of how futile a single vote may feel, especially as a Republican in Illinois. 

“Make sure you vote even if you’re like, ‘I live in Illinois, what does my vote matter?’ It matters because there’s also down ballot elections, and you voting is your responsibility as an American citizen,” Kinzinger said. 

I can’t find any reason to disagree with Kinzinger there. Voting is quite possibly the most important thing that a United States Citizen can do. 

So, vote. Register to vote and make your voice heard. Your vote counts. If you are a Millikin student, stop by the UC and register to vote this week from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily. Make your voice heard and realize that disagreement is not a bad thing. 

“The fact that people are angry means that they care,” Kinzinger said. “They may be expressing it incorrectly at times, but they do care. They care about the future of this country, whatever side they are on.”