06-11-2016, 17:40
I am a Republican. I'm a gun owner. I'm a Catholic. And yesterday, I voted.
I voted for a considered, nuanced foreign policy that works with our allies, isolates our foes, and seeks to reduce nuclear proliferation.
I voted for a domestic policy that puts Americans first through a focus on education at all levels, families of all backgrounds, and jobs that will form a 21st century economy.
I voted to fix what's wrong with the Affordable Care Act while making sure that the least among us still have access to the care they need.
I voted for a woman's ability to control her healthcare decisions with the input of her doctor, her family, and her religion.
I voted for laws that keep weapons of war off of our streets and out of the hands of criminals.
I voted my belief that you can support law enforcement while recognizing that implicit bias affects us all.
I voted to celebrate the love our gay friends and family share with their partners.
I voted for a candidate who sees my nieces as future leaders, not objects to be manhandled.
I voted for a candidate with a reputation for listening, and for careful consideration before making decisions--one who doesn't peddle unfounded conspiracy theories, reject science, or give voice to the darkest fringes of our society.
I voted for a candidate with flaws and bruises, wins and losses--and the accumulated wisdom gained by a lifetime in the arena.
I voted for a candidate who believes America is already great--but can always be better.
Despite being a political junkie, I rarely share my views so publicly. But this election is too important for timidity and inaction. For those voting the other way, I trust your vote is carefully considered and cast with a sincere respect for this nation's most sacred institutions. I know mine is. If you're undecided or contemplating abstaining, I urge you to do your research, consult multiple news sources, sort facts from opinions, and let your voice be heard.
Some day, when the Republican party can articulate a hopeful vision forward--not a longing for days gone by--and offers solutions beyond cutting budgets and closing our borders, I hope to vote for that vision. But today is not that day.
I'm a Republican. I'm a gun owner. I'm a Catholic. And I'm with her.
I voted for a considered, nuanced foreign policy that works with our allies, isolates our foes, and seeks to reduce nuclear proliferation.
I voted for a domestic policy that puts Americans first through a focus on education at all levels, families of all backgrounds, and jobs that will form a 21st century economy.
I voted to fix what's wrong with the Affordable Care Act while making sure that the least among us still have access to the care they need.
I voted for a woman's ability to control her healthcare decisions with the input of her doctor, her family, and her religion.
I voted for laws that keep weapons of war off of our streets and out of the hands of criminals.
I voted my belief that you can support law enforcement while recognizing that implicit bias affects us all.
I voted to celebrate the love our gay friends and family share with their partners.
I voted for a candidate who sees my nieces as future leaders, not objects to be manhandled.
I voted for a candidate with a reputation for listening, and for careful consideration before making decisions--one who doesn't peddle unfounded conspiracy theories, reject science, or give voice to the darkest fringes of our society.
I voted for a candidate with flaws and bruises, wins and losses--and the accumulated wisdom gained by a lifetime in the arena.
I voted for a candidate who believes America is already great--but can always be better.
Despite being a political junkie, I rarely share my views so publicly. But this election is too important for timidity and inaction. For those voting the other way, I trust your vote is carefully considered and cast with a sincere respect for this nation's most sacred institutions. I know mine is. If you're undecided or contemplating abstaining, I urge you to do your research, consult multiple news sources, sort facts from opinions, and let your voice be heard.
Some day, when the Republican party can articulate a hopeful vision forward--not a longing for days gone by--and offers solutions beyond cutting budgets and closing our borders, I hope to vote for that vision. But today is not that day.
I'm a Republican. I'm a gun owner. I'm a Catholic. And I'm with her.