So early voting has started. For some of you, that may mean nothing, but for a lot of people, that means you can vote early and beat the crowds on election day. I won't be able to, because the municipal clerk's office is only open during the time I'm at work (jerks) so I will probably have to wait in line forever on election day and vote after an already long day of work I'm sure. Even though it may seem like a pain in the butt, you really need to go and do your part and vote. No matter what. Seriously, it's like... really important (and I try not to use the word "like" a lot. That's just how important this is).
Let me just say that this post is not endorsing any candidate in particular... some of you may know which way I typically lean, but this post is not about that. I really just want all of you to really THINK about your choice. THINK about what each person can do for you... EDUCATE yourself. That is definitely the most important thing in this election, is educating yourself on each candidate, and thinking about which one may be the best for you and your family.
Some big issues to think about that may be important to you (and are important to me):
Gay Marriage.
Are you for gay marriage? Or do you think marriage should be defined as being between a man and a woman? Barack Obama is PRO gay marriage. Mitt Romney is AGAINST gay marriage.
Because I have very close family members and friends who are gay, this is a no brainer for me. I have to side with Obama.
The Economy.
Whose plan do you think will best fix our economy? Neither candidate has really enlightened us 100% on everything they plan on doing to fix the economy. One big thing Barack Obama is planning on doing to help fix the economy is by raising taxes on the upper class. He has a lot more things in mind that he believes will help the economy, just go on his website and EDUCATE YOURSELF. Mitt Romney is planning on keeping the taxes the same for everybody, but does plan on making cuts to things like PBS, and Planned Parenthood. Romney also has a lot of steps in his plan, like Obama, so go on his website too and EDUCATE YOURSELF!
I'm not good at economics, so if I'm speaking in all honesty, I have no idea who's plan would work better. I suck at math. I would be a terrible president.
Healthcare.
Obviously Obama is proud of his own Obamacare, where Mitt Romney swears that he will repeal it.
Obamacare consists of a number of different things (again, go on either candidate's website to read about it) including perks like...
People up to the age of 26 can stay on their parent's healthcare plan (which helps me a ton).
Insurance agencies are no longer allowed to turn you away for pre-existing conditions (which helps a lot of people in my family tons).
You are not forced to give up the current plan that you are on if it is working well for you.
Every single person HAS to have health insurance no matter what.
Along with a lot of other things, some you may like, some you may not.
There are many more issues that need to be discussed like Foreign Policy, Woman's Rights, the Environment... The point is, go to each person's website:
Obama : www.barackobama.com
Romney: www.mittromney.com
And learn a thing or two before you cast your ballot.
I do have to mention one more thing.
STOP HATING ON EACH OTHER!
Quit using hateful words on Facebook (because you're too much of a pansy to say it to someone in person), using hateful bumper stickers, having hateful conversations at work (other people hear you), just quit hating the other political party. They are people too.
The other day I was put into an odd situation. Many of you know I lean more towards the liberal side, although I do have an open mind and am very willing to hear both sides. Dan and I witnessed a hit in run, and it happened in front of a gun shop. We stuck around because we were witnesses to talk to the police, and one of the gun shop employees, she was very nice and hospitable, ushered us inside the shop because it was cold outside. When Dan and I walked inside there were stacks and stacks of bumper stickers, very hateful bumper stickers against liberals and Barack Obama (nothing promoting Mitt Romney or providing any alternative... just flat out hatred towards the opposition). There were also huge Tea Party flags hung all around the shop (along with automatic assault weapons... which may not have anything to do with it, but they still scared the hell out of me). I couldn't help thinking to myself, that this woman, who has been very kind and nice to us... if she found out anything at all about Dan and I, about who we are as people... she would hate us. I know the owners of that store would hate us. And it is just scary to think about (especially since they have access to so many guns). Just don't hate you're fellow humans because they have different views than you. I refuse to hate that woman because of her store, hating her would bring me down to her level, which is one I don't want to be one.
So if you hear that someone is a Democrat and you are a Republican or vice versa, instead of arguing, have a civilized debate about the economy, or gay rights, or planned parenthood, or whatever you want. And keep an open mind. I have a lot of friends and family members who have different political views than me, and I don't think any less of them. I even don't mind Mitt Romney that much. I may disagree with him on some issues, but that doesn't make me hate the guy. He actually seems like a decent guy, I just think he needs to stick to his own beliefs and stop playing for those who are donating to his campaign, but then again, every politician does that. Even Democrats.
I'm Toni, and I approve this message.
