Happy Election Day!
Just a warning, this post more than likely isn't going to be very funny, so if you're looking for my usual rapier wit and humor, you should probably check back later this week for my Anatomy of a Sports Fan entry I've been working on.
This post is in no way trying to persuade anyone who to vote for. I'm one of the last people that you should look to for advice on how to vote, but I do think I have more credibility than the Guitar Hero/Guitar Zero guy in those annoying commercials. This is simply my reason for voting the way I did.
Everyone has their issues that are most important to them. Some people rate the economy highest on the importance scale, others the environment, others healthcare, and so on. There is no right or wrong hierarchy of importance, it differs with each person. Me? I'm a social issue voter. Therefore, I proudly cast my vote for Barack Obama.
To me, the choice was simple. Yes, I agree with parts of Mitt Romney's platform, and I actually side with him on more economic and immigration issues. However, on issues that are most important to me, such as gay/lesbian rights, a woman's right to choose, and birth control, Barack Obama is my guy.
A Republican friend asked me why I supported Barack Obama, and I told him that my main reason was because of his stance on gay marriage. His response was that he didn't think the government should have say in gay marriage so therefore it was a non-issue to him. But the problem is, the government has inserted itself into the gay marriage debate, so therefore it is a huge issue.
I have wonderful gay friends that deserve to be just as miserable as everyone else that gets married. I want to dodge the bouquet at my friend T's wedding, like I do at every other wedding I attend. I want him to be able to choose where he gets married, and not have to pick from one of a handful of states where his and his partner's union will be legally binding. I want my friends and their partners to have the same rights as opposite sex couples, when it comes to health benefits and visitation rights. And most of all, I want an important person in my life to finally admit who they are to the world, and feel safe to be openly gay and proud. Do I think if Obama is re-elected all of this is going to happen overnight? No. Do I think if Romney is elected then none of this will ever happen? No. I'll say it in French too. Non. But, I think it will happen a lot faster if we re-elect our current president.
It kills me when people make election night declarations that they are moving out of the country if their candidate loses. Um, have you forgotten your fourth grade Social Studies lessons? There are two other branches of government that have a say in the laws we follow in our country: the Legislative branch and the Judicial branch. Just because one man is elected (I say one because VPs don't really do anything, let's be honest), it doesn't mean the entire country is going to completely go to shit and change dramatically. With government bureacracy, it will take years to accomplish even the most simple task. I mean, our state legislature once had an hour long discussion on whether or not to change the temperature in the chambers. You expect anything to get done fast?
Whether you're voting for Obama, Romney, or another party, just please get out there and vote. People say their vote won't make a difference, and maybe it won't...but it's a right we enjoy that many people across the world would give anything to have, and to waste it is an awful, irresponsible thing.
I'll end this by saying best wishes to the next president. I sure as hell wouldn't want your job. Although, it would probably get me amazing seats to UK basketball games...hmm...
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