John Kerry for President

Thursday, October 28th, 2004
Filed Under: Politics/ 4 Comments


It won’t be a surprise to anyone that reads this site on a regular basis, but I’m supporting John Kerry for president this year. There has been talk that both candidates are second tier politicians that limit our choices, but that does not mean that there is not a clear choice. I won’t argue that I believe in John Kerry like I did Bill Clinton, but I believe that as the leader of our country, he would be far more effective and responsible than George W. Bush could ever hope to be.

I’m not usually interested in identifying myself according to labels, but rather according to my beliefs. I believe in a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. I believe that gay rights are as fundamental as civil rights. I believe that protecting the environment is our greatest responsibility as human beings. I believe that the death penalty is ineffective and wrong. I believe in social programs. I believe in gun control. I believe in the fairness of a progressive income tax system.

It’s hard to argue that Bush’s policies, both foreign and domestic, have been anything but a complete failure. His incompetence has led to the largest deficit in U.S. history, the first net loss of jobs since Hoover, the alienation of our allies, and a crisis in Iraq where one did not exist. He is widely considered the worst environmental president in history. I do not value a president who looks like me or sounds like me above one who will do the best job. I do not feel more secure under the watch of a president who talks tough about war, but who did everything possible to avoid real service. I do not feel comforted by a statesman whose main talking points come from West Texas bumper stickers and Clint Eastwood movies.

I have confidence that John Kerry will be able to restore fiscal responsibility, create new and better paying jobs, deliver a practical health insurance plan that is affordable and accessible, protect the environment against big business and oil, and better protect the United States by making intelligent decisions and securing the support and respect of our allies.

It’s also clear that Kerry will protect abortion rights, and support gay rights. He has made it clear that he wants to expand stem cell research and funding, which I support. He will maintain the separation of church and state, and make the protection of our civil liberties a priority, not an afterthought.

I believe that John Kerry can restore honesty and integrity to the office of president. I believe a change is needed to restore our moral leadership at home and abroad. I believe you have to admit mistakes and recognize the truth to be an effective leader. I believe that talking about compassion is not the same as having compassion. I believe that John Kerry understands that what affects one of us, affects us all.

I believe that hope is more powerful than fear.