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My husband voted for Bush in both the 2000 and 2004 elections. I didn't care so much in 2000 but 2004 was NOT a good year!
The Terri Schiavo case started to open my husband's eyes. He was appalled the government's interference in a personal family matter. The lack of leadership that Bush showed during Hurricane Katrina made a huge impact on him. He couldn't believe his eyes.
I am proud to say that my husband is a newly registered Democratic voter. But he won't vote for just any Democrat. He changed his party affiliation for one reason...to caucus for John Edwards. I couldn't be more proud. Below is a letter that my husband submitted to the Des Moines Register today.
From my enlightened husband:
Allow me to begin by saying I have voted for Democrats in the past, although it is not typically my practice. Even though I have strong Republican views, I have become disenchanted with the party of late for a variety of reasons. I am proud to say that my practice is to vote for the individual I feel is best suited to represent our nation, rather than any particular party. Unfortunately, the most popular Republican candidates for president leave me cold. Further, in talking to Republicans and Democrats across the nation, it has come to my attention that most all agree on one thing; the front runners in both parties are not the candidates who truly speak their mind rather than cater to the audience they have at the moment. This is essentially the reason I write.
Recently, to the amazement of my friends and coworkers, I registered as a Democrat. Currently it is my intent to caucus for and vote for a Democrat. More than anything, I seek to put a man of integrity and principle in the White House. As we near the 2008 elections, I cannot think of anything more important. However, the fact that my choice (John Edwards) is a Democrat is not the point. I am tired of feeling it would be unsafe to travel outside of this country simply because I am an American. When I have the chance to visit another country I want to be able to do so proudly, as an American. I believe we need someone that can restore us to our former glory. I want to have the world once again revere us.
I am also concerned that part of what once made us great is being horribly compromised. I refer to the misreading and application of our constitution and its amendments. The freedoms and liberties our founding fathers had intended for us are being seriously maligned. The Patriot Act in itself is a slap in the face to all good Americans. Our re-definition of the word torture has me entirely disgusted. I despise those who would kill innocent Americans. However, we somehow find it permissible to detain people for months or years without allowing them representation by attorney. This type of treatment is not what we as a country are about. What makes any of us think this type of treatment will only be applied to those who are outsiders, or guilty? No wonder people hate us. We can now even hate ourselves. But then we allow ourselves to pass it off as a temporary tool needed by our leaders to "protect us". Freedom is not free. There is a cost to all of us. In the long run our rights and liberties come much more easily without threat by outsiders when the people of the world want to be like us, rather than to fear us. It's a natural progression, but takes time, effort, and yes, sometimes sacrifices.
Our right to vote for our leaders is also a responsibility. We need to take it seriously. We need to educate ourselves. Far too many are completely uninformed, if not completely apathetic. I consider myself informed. Not only by television and radio ads during my favorite programs though. Being informed on the facts gives me a moral right to have an opinion that others may disagree with.
One huge issue that is seemingly ignored is that the lead Democrat is the most polarizing figure in the race and as result the best hope for a Republican candidate winning the presidency. Few if any Republican votes will go to this individual. Conversely, some Democrats will simply choose not to vote at all. As we make our choices, there should be concern for whether we wish to continue subjecting the nation to the ineffectiveness of bipartisan squabbles. As you prepare to caucus, donate, and vote please consider who is going to be the most principled, qualified, and effective candidate. My belief is that person is John Edwards, but you should educate yourself enough on the issues to make your own informed decision.
No matter who you support, now is the time to ask yourself; Do I want to have a viable candidate in this race? Would I rather just accept someone whom others have chosen, and end up with a president I loath? What is important to me? And most importantly; who will make me a proud American again?
Our main concern should be that we end up with a president that we can proudly stand behind. I'm doing my part, are you doing yours?
A Concerned Voter
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