As a preface, I will say that I am a Democrat. Scratch that... I identify with the Democratic Party that I grew up with in Minnesota: the DFL. DFL stands for Democratic Farmer Labor, which means that the party is specifically interested in the well being of the farmers and laborers that built and feed this nation. I am DFL. I am a liberal. I may be more liberal than anyone you've ever known...
Regardless of what anyone thinks of my party's platform, candidate or morals, please take a moment to listen to me...
I believe in you. I believe in your right to vote, work, live and love. I believe that you care about America, your family, your freedom and your rights. I believe that you are doing everything possible to live your life as a good person. You are doing your best with what you have. You hope for a better tomorrow. You believe in this nation and its people. You give a damn.
Here's why I'm voting for Obama...
I believe that you have a right to affordable health care that will not block or bankrupt you. I believe that you have a right to marry the person you love, regardless of gender. I believe that you and your children have a right to make important and difficult decisions about your bodies without the interference of government. I believe that education is a right, not a privilege. I believe in the American Dream.
Why do I believe in health care that will not block or bankrupt you? Because my best friend on earth was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 35 and could have been turned away from insurance coverage because of that pre-existing condition. Because my parents are worried that they might be unable to afford their prescriptions. Because I, myself, have more than one pre-existing condition. Because no one should be afraid to go to the doctor because it's too expensive.
Why do I believe that you have a right to marry the person that you love, regardless of gender? Because I have two friends whose partnership of 18 years has produced two of the most delightful, cherished, adorable and wanted children that I've ever known. Because of my gay friends who have found a life partner that they adore, respect and honor. Because love is love, no matter what.
Why do I believe that you and your children have a right to make important and difficult decisions about your bodies without the interference of government? Because it's your body, not mine. While I am in the midst of what may become a life-altering quest for motherhood, you might be trying to stay afloat in uncertain times. My journey and my struggle is not yours. You have every right to determine what happens to your body. Even though I might not make the same choice in your situation, I will fight for your right to make that choice for yourself.
Now, education: Here's my soapbox... I hate every movie ever made about a heroic teacher who has overcome obstacles to teach their students. Every "Stand And Deliver," every "Freedom Writers," every "Won't Back Down" is an affront to America. Why? Because teachers shouldn't have to be heroic. IT SHOULDN'T BE A MIRACLE THAT TEACHERS TEACH AND STUDENTS LEARN! Let me be clear: I am not denigrating the important gifts that the teachers whose real-life experiences informed these movies gave. Rather, I am calling out the system that required super-human efforts and sacrifices on the part of educators to get a basic job done. I don't know a single teacher who hasn't invested hundreds of his or her own dollars to set up their classroom. I don't know a single teacher who hasn't stayed late or come early to sit with a student in need. I don't know a single teacher who hasn't extended themselves beyond their means for the well-being or advancement of their class. We need to respect the teachers of this country and empower them. We have exploited their idealism for too long.
And I believe in the American Dream. Rather, I want to believe it can happen. I want to believe that, if you have a good idea, work hard and back up that idea with scholarship and responsibility, you can achieve your dreams. I want to believe that American entrepreneurship is on the rise. I want to believe that every corporation that does business in America is working its ass off to be responsible, forward-thinking, respectful and gregarious. I want to believe, like my grandfather did, that if you work hard enough and give enough of a damn, you can succeed.
Please, America, don't prove me wrong.
