The Serious Scoop. Having flung my share of sarcastic links and comments onto this forum, I want to take time to say something really heartfelt and serious about this upcoming election. There has been a lack of thoughtful discussion so I’d like to change that, at least about myself. Here goes.
I support President Obama for a couple of urgent reasons. My gay friends and family. This election is not a toss-up for them, as it is, in some ways, for me. I happen to prefer Obama’s approach on a number of issues but this one is the drop-dead no deal issue for me. My gay friends are so very vulnerable. Obama is the only one of the two candidates who supports their world, their right to be, their freedom to be who they are, their relationships, their marriages and their hopes and dreams for their lives and their children.
Obama and Romney may be closer on other issues and I could probably live with an outcome other than the one I prefer — except for this. I realize it makes me sound like a one-issue voter and I guess in someways I am. BUT. This is a life issue that can not be compromised. I could sound all paternalistic about my gay family and friends and tell you how great they are. But really, they don’t need me to defend them. Their lives shine so brightly. I will be heart-broken if all the progress they have made, in terms of civil and social rights, is turned back. This election hinges on that for them.
I have a bunch of other reasons for not supporting Romney but this and, well, of course, the concern about women’s health issues are the deal breakers for me.
What about you? I’ll unabashedly ask you to seriously consider voting for Obama, for Michelle and Julie, and Steve and Tom, and a multitude more. If you are on the fence, take this to heart. Please. Thanks so much for listening. I hope I wrote this clearly enough. Feel free to comment with questions.
– Jan Erickson’s awesome blog is called, Palm Tree in Poland.
