This morning I went to the polls and asked for a Democratic ticket. Because I live in rural Arkansas a lot of folks are shocked when I’m willing to make that admission. So, I wanted to lay out just a few of the reasons I generally vote as a democrat.
- I strongly support feeding kids breakfast and lunch at school and providing free after school programs. These things are constantly on the chopping block and that frightens me. I’ve known too many kids who literally don’t have food at home and school meals are just about the only thing they can depend on. The same can be said for Senior Feeding programs. It is our moral duty to take care of the vulnerable. This administration doesn’t really seem to agree.
- I’m a hard core environmental voter, maybe because I have four kids and want to leave them something beautiful here on our precious blue and green planet. I want to protect the gulf of Mexico, the Arctic, the National Parks, whales, coral reefs, bees and the Buffalo River. I could go on. I think coal and fracking are dangerous and filthy. I understand this may cost jobs but it’s a sacrifice I am willing to make. We are smart and I believe can find ways to create jobs without threatening the environment. I’m a big fan of Capitalism but I believe we can do better.
- I believe in global Warming and fully support alternative energy like solar and wind.
- God gave us a beautiful planet and I think it’s a sin to abuse and deface it.
- I like guns, I own guns. But I don’t think any civilian should own assault style fire arms. No body but the military should be able to kill 20 people in one minute.
- “Tough on Crime” sounds wonderful but has put far too many young black men in our prisons for minor offenses. This costs tax payers billions of dollars and is often times not effective. I’ve seen first hand white people get much lighter sentences than black people. I believe the system is rigged to benefit the wealthy and the white.
- I think regulation to protect consumers are good.
- Gay people don’t threaten me or my family and I believe they should have equal rights to marry whom ever they like. And God loves gay folks the same way he loves me, flaws and all.
- Cuba, swing those doors open. Cutting them off hasn’t worked for 50 years. Also, opening trade with Cuba is great for the Arkansas farmers.
- I support DACCA, give them a path to citizenship. Don’t be cruel, they were kids.
- Some of my more liberal friends would probably suggest I’m too hawkish because I believe in a strong Military and I like guns. but there you go. We’re all different. I could add to this list but I think I’ve made my point. One last thing. conservative talk show hosts like Rush, Glen and Chris constantly state that liberals are “angry, hateful and don’t love America, despise Capitalism, don’t believe in God and want to take ALL YOUR GUNS.” That’s just not true.
Diana,
Very well-done. If I had written this, it would probably have come out word-for-word. The people who try to remove the programs you mentioned, love to call themselves Christians and proud Americans. They don’t understand Christian or American values. They certainly don’t value our veterans or those on active duty. The list goes on. I always vote and hope all the young people marching now register to vote. They will bring about the change we need and the America we could be again.
Love you. We are the stewards of this planet. Capitalism only works to a point. This admin is swinging the pendulum back to the Robber Barons of a century ago. Alternative energy actually creates more long term jobs. Corporations are cow tied to stakeholders and set 10% increases in annual goals. It devours the planet. We need strength to change rather than be squashed to submit. We need Democrats following new models not giving into the Republican corporate sellout game.
That’s awesome!