7 October 04
I never really remember my parents talking politics when I grew up. I remember the president coming on TV and giving the State of the Union Address and being forced to watch it because it was on all 4 channels. I remember, though vaguely, a few debates throughout the years. Nothing really substantial about my parents’ political views sticks in my mind. As the years passed, my real first memory of anything political was in January 1981—right after President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration, when Ayatollah Khomeini released the US Embassy hostages. It wouldn’t be for another eleven years before I would begin to realize my political alignment.
When I cast my first vote in the 1992 elections, I must admit, I did not form an educated vote. I can honestly say I did not vote based on party. Like most young voters, I chose my candidate on how they were portrayed in the media, not for their issues. I regret my vote, only for the candidate I chose and the way I chose him. I exercised my right to vote—and that, I am proud.
This year I have done more research than I have on any other presidential election. I am beginning to understand more what issues I hold dear to my heart. I also understand what kind of personality I would like to see run the country. Our country has a strong and unshakeable history. The man who leads should also be strong and unwavering. The president should never question his own issues, his own laws, nor his own decisions. Whatever he says he is going to do and does, he should stand by until the task is complete.
The military has had a big impact on my life. Coming from a military family, marrying into a military family, and working very closely with the military, all these aspects have made a very big impression on me and my ideas of how the president should handle the military. First and foremost, I believe the President, the Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces, should have served his country at one point in time. I don’t believe in conscript duty, but I am all for a requirement of military service for any political office held on capital hill. I do not believe anyone who “dodges the draft” or participates in any action that would denounce our military servicemen and women, is the right person to command our military. Those who opposed our military in their past, will do whatever it takes NOT to utilize them when we need them most. Our nation’s security, our American family’s security, depends on a strong leader who supports our military and will use them to the best of their ability in the parts of the world that matter most.
Another aspect is over-taxation of the American people. I believe that the more money people have in their pockets, the more money they will put back into the economy. I don’t believe the government knows better how to spend my money. If I have more money, the more apt I am to spend it at the store. The businesses profit. The businesses can hire more people because product demand is there. If the government imposes more, or higher, taxes, the people are less likely to spend their money. The Tax Cut Bill, recently approved by Congress, and signed by the President, will help people spend more on themselves and their businesses, rather than allow the government to spend how they see fit. The economy is better off spending this way, rather than the alternative.
Finally, the last issue I will mention, but certainly not the last dear to heart, will have to be the Partial Birth Abortion Ban. There have never been any documented cases where it was medically necessary to perform such a procedure. While those who argue against the ban say it goes against the woman’s right to choose, I say it is murder. To those who spout the “talking points” of this issue, I challenge you to find out what they do in this procedure, and then come try to convince me otherwise.
These are only a few of the reasons for my choice this election year. There are many, many more but to go into them would end up loosing your attention. I write this in hopes someone will read it and research their voting decision on their own. I believe in an educated vote. I don’t believe that the media should dictate who our next President should be.
Don’t forget to vote November 2, 2004. It’s your right! It’s your duty!