Posted by
RainbowConservative on Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:00:00 AM
I grew up thinking Republicans were the "bad ones". When George W. Bush ran for office, he ran on "family values" criticizing liberal views, gay rights and women's rights. I thought the Democratic party was the party who embraced everyone, even the ones who don't believe or share their views or values.
I didn't really care for John Kerry, but, I voted for him in 2004, because I thought as a gay Democrat, it was what I was suppose to do. Then came 2007, Hillary Clinton announced her intention to run to become the nominee for the Democratic party. To me it was a no brainier. A women of great strength and courage and wisdom, then came Obama and a Hope and Change campaign. He took peoples vulnerabilities from the Bush years and somehow managed to connect Hillary Clinton to George Bush.
When the primary season got nasty, Hillary Clinton preached the truth. She told us Obama wasn't ready to lead, to look at Obama's non-existent voting record, look at his history. I did, and I didn't like what I saw, and well I didn't see.
Now fast forward to now. Clinton has lost, Obama is the nominee. Now, as a gay Democrat, am I required to vote for Barack Hussein Obama? NO... I am a gay Democrat, but, first and foremost I am a American. I use my voice as a American voter to vote for what I feel is best for our nation, which is in a real mess. And personally I refuse to vote for the 2nd coming of Jimmy Carter.
Now, I know I said no more political blogging but, this has pissed me off!
It's not only irresponsible but, it's down right stupidity to vote for someone based solely on their political party. Hell, Hillary Clinton said this earlier this year...
"Voting for unity is admirable, but voting for unity for the sake of unity is unjustifiable."
In 2008 we have Barack Obama and John McCain. Yes, one is the Republican and one is the Democrat.
I care about gay rights, I care about Roe V Wade, I care about universal healthcare and I care about ending the war. But, I also care about leadership, I care about national security, and I care about our country. John McCain's slogan is "country first".
Earlier tonight I received this IM from a un-named friend...
IF you vote for McCain, you're betraying yourself as a gay man and everything we've spent years building. Listen to Hillary as you so often do when she says Barack is our man.
Let's look at McCain's voting record on the issue of gay rights... McCain was a outspoken Republican who voted AGAINST the federal marriage act, McCain has also said numerous times, his personal feelings or views on issues like gay rights will not be brought up. McCain agrees and understands, there are so many more issues Americans are faced with than stupid crap like that.
And, on Obama, I've yet to hear a speech outlining his plans... his plans on fixing the economy, a responsible way on ending the war... I'm so freaking tired of the CHANGE speech.. It's a great advertising campaign, but, that's all it is.
I compare Obama to empty calories. Empty calories fill you up, but they fill you up on nothing. They're a quick fix that feels good, but you feel hungry later.
Obama's message feels good, it's makes you all warm inside, and in a perfect world it would ring true, but, damn let's get our head out of the clouds and back to Planet Earth, not Planet Obama!
Yes, Hillary Clinton endorsed Obama, she has to, she did what is required of her. However, it's up to Obama to seal the deal, and he hasn't done it. His Obama Love Fest orgy convention and vice presidential pick has yet to boost his rating in the polls. WHY? Because Obama is an empty calorie, and those who haven't drank the kool aid know this! But, then again kool-aid is empty calories, at least the non sugar-free kind.
Yes, I am gay, I am a registered Democrat and I am pro-choice. But, before all of that, I am a American. I don't want to vote for a President who isn't proud to be an American.
I love all my friends, even those who have and will vote for Barack Obama in the fall. Voting is one of the most important and protected rights as Americans we have. We are allowed to vote for who we want. If I choose to vote for John McCain then I will. Am I passionate about McCain? NO.. But, since America was blind and missed out on a real leader, I have to see who is the lesser of 2 evils.
I will agree to disagree with anyone, and with some of you who read this I do, and I respect you views and you respect mine. And there is nothing wrong with that. That's why we are friends.
But, if my so-called friends don't understand that, then you were never my friend to begin with.
Hell, I will probably just vote for Ralph Nadar anyways or write Hillary's name in...
As in the words of the great Hillary Clinton herself,
"It's time we moved from good words to good works, from sound bites to sound solutions. Americans have a choice in this election and that choice matters. While words matter greatly, the best words in the world aren't enough unless you match them with action."
"My opponent gives speeches, I offer solutions."
And why will I NOT vote for Barack Obama ...
"When an emergency happens here in America, there is no time for speeches and on the job training."