I am usually very reticent to speak about politics. I abhor contention and politics seem to be a fertile garden in which contention grows wildly. I have always kept to myself about for whom I voted and why. I never wanted to be challenged about my vote or put on the spot regarding my decision-making protocol. I have recently decided that I have to be bolder. With less than a week until voting begins, I would like to share why I cast my absentee ballot for Barack Obama.
I started out this presidential campaign, almost two years ago, committed to one idea – I would not vote out of fear. I would study the issues and then decide. I wanted to be an informed and careful voter, even if that meant voting in direct opposition to family and friends. I have taken time to study the issues. I have spent countless hours reading articles online, listening to podcasts and viewing streaming video. In the end, I am more informed but I have a strong sense that it is more than just issues that prompts a person to vote for a candidate. There must be a connection; a trust has to be felt. The real question is not really whether I agree with the candidates on every issue, a most unlikely scenario. The real question is if I trust them to make decisions, to set a tone that I agree with for their presidency and to fight for those that have no voice. Those ideas became my core issues. I suppose that is what ultimately led me to Barack Obama. His message of hope and unity is exactly what I have been taught my whole life. I have always thought that everyone deserves a place at the table and a time to be heard. I believe in bringing people together not in divisiveness. I have also appreciated that, while this is an historic election, race has not been the central issue. He has transcended race, imploring people to vote for him or not based on issues not his heritage. This speaks once more to a message of unity, of hope, and of working together. I do not know which person will be proclaimed the winner next week and I certainly do not know what their presidency will look like. However, when I cast my vote, I had to make my decision based on what I felt was right after studying it out in my mind. I pray the rest of the country will do the same and take advantage of the wonderful opportunity to vote.
5 comments:
Thanks for sharing. I really appreciated your thoughts. I think it's true that sometimes we get hung up on issues and parties instead of looking at the big picture. I think it's important to take a look at what is best for the country as a whole rather than just thinking of ourselves. I'm voting for Obama, not because I think he will make a direct impact on my life, but because I believe he will lead the country in a better direction than McCain.
yes, Yes, YES! Fabulous. Now if only I knew which one of you was Contigo.
Thank you both for your comments! I am usually much to shy to share on topics like this but I felt strongly that it was time. We will see if the country as a whole agrees with us.
For Marilouise: We both write under contigo. It is up to our expert readers to figure out if JTP or TSP wrote it! I suppose context and tone are the most telling clues. I (TSP) wrote this one. If you doubt in the future, write a comment and I will tell you! :)
I have to say, that I find it hard to know who's written what as well. It makes my brain hurt. . .
On another note, though, I think you've got a point. I know we spoke about this before, but I'll admit that I started supporting Obama because of his personality, which I think is exactly right for a president. Here's hoping he wins!
By the way, check out my blog for the audio of a prank call to Sarah Palin made by some Canadian comedians. It's really Palin on the line, and it's hilarious. I can't believe she was dumb enough not to pick up on the hints they kept dropping.
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