I was raised in a Republican household in Texas. I voted Republican, because that's just what you did. Then I decided to actually pay attention, and I had an epiphany! For me, right = wrong. How the hell did I end up here??
My husband is tangentially involved in politics in Texas. As a result, I have been forced to watch what happens in our state legislature. The more I watched, the more I realized - the Republican party is the party that least represents me and my values. I always considered myself a social moderate, though if I look at it objectively, I guess I'm a social liberal when it's all said and done. Gay, want to get married - absolutely support it. Abortion, your call, not mine, isn't that what choice is all about? Keep government out of my uterus, along with every other woman, and out of all of our bedrooms, and I'm on board.
I consider myself fiscally conservative. I was taught that the Republican party was the one who was fiscally conservative. When I decided to really look, imagine what I discovered. Unfunded wars on a credit card, Unfunded prescription drug programs, tax cuts dramatically increasing our debt. I decided that I would rather be a tax and spend liberal, as opposed to a drunken Republican spending on the credit card, with no way to pay.
I voted for Obama in 2008. This was the first time in my life to vote for a Democrat. I was reluctant, nervous. At that time, I thought I had to pick the lesser of two evils. I am extremely proud of that decision, and I am more confident of my vote this election.
My support for Obama is well known by those who know me. Imagine my surprise today when I received the following email from a close friend: "I know you're an Obama supporter. I don't know which pig in a suit to vote for. I'm giving you one email to make your case on why I should support the President."
I thought for a long time, on how to approach this. Then I sat down at lunch, and composed my response. I was shocked at how easily the words flowed. My reluctant vote for a Democrat in 2008. The achievements of this administration. The thoughtful, even handed, pragmatic leadership I have seen in the face of unprecedented obstruction. Improved foreign relations, ending the wars, care for our veterans, making gutsy decisions based on what is right, not what is politically expedient. Pressing for healthcare because it is THAT important, even if it cost him votes. Equal pay for equal work, no more "don't ask, don't tell.". A presidency based on doing what is right, at a time it has to be done, in case you don't get another term. A presidency destined to leave an important mark on our history, and to put things in place for future generations,
At the end, I offered the following closing. "I have not mentioned his opponent. If you would like my opinion of him, I will be happy to provide it. But I want to make one thing clear- I am NOT voting against Mitt Romey, I am voting FOR Barack Obama. He has, no doubt in my mind, earned another term."
I hit send. And something occurred to me when I read it back to myself. Hey, I'm not voting against a party. I'm voting for, and fully embracing, a candidate and a party that actually represents me. I don't need to argue why the other guy is worse- I have an entire case on why MY candidate deserves to win on his own merits, not a default disqualification of the opposition. I have come full circle, and it feels great.
I have donated to the campaign, i have phone banked, and i went to Florida for 5 days to canvass/phone bank. I'm going back to Florida next week to volunteer again. I will knock on doors, make phone calls, do whatever I can to help this wonderful man stay in office for four more years. I suggest you all do the same. And isn't it fun to do this, not for the lesser of two evils, but for someone you proudly stand up for??