Gender vs. Issues
OK, it has been more than 7 hours since I learned of McCain’s VP choice; an unknown, YOUNG, FEMALE, governor.
At first, I though “WOW, McCain has stepped out of the box to compete with the Democratic ticket.” But, that was just the first moment…I had a quick laugh and thought, the Republicans must be running scared. Now the initial amusement is over, and I am just plain irritated with the games of the Republican Party, and/or Senator McCain.
I was and still am, a Hillary fan; my husband and I are both Democrats and have had heated debates Barack (him) vs. Hillary(me) though out the primaries. The question was always posed, would we abandon our party if our candidate did not win the nomination? Would we be so disappointed in our party’s choice, that one of us would vote for McCain in the end?
The answer is “No.”
Each candidate is special this year in that both are shattering barriers in their quest to seek the highest office in our country. But, both also share the same visions for our country: for the people, by the people. Change. Hope. Unity. And those are just the generalizations; a vote for either would be a vote for opportunity for the masses, economic change for the majority, a return to diplomacy, a ‘greener’ outlook on making these changes, education for the twenty first century, equality regardless of RACE or GENDER.
How could McCain, or Palin for that matter, think that because they are offering up a female that I would change my basic ideologies, my sense of what I want for my country and myself? That placing a female on the Republican ticket would get my vote simply because she shares the need to wear a bra and heels?
Yes, I am disappointed that my candidate, Hillary Clinton, did not win the nomination. And, yes, there is a lingering sadness that Senator Clinton, former First Lady, Hillary Clinton, may not be our first female President. Even those who may not like her have to agree she is an important part of our modern political landscape; and for those who do like and respect her, she is more than that. She is a strong woman. She has been, and still is a true role model. Hillary has endured our intense scrutiny, our invasion into matters most personal, and criticism at every turn, every word, every hairstyle, and still, she has moved forward with her life. She has worked diligently to forge her political career, and continues to be a champion of women, minorities, and of EVERY American.
So, my vote for Obama will be that much sweeter, that much more pleasing to cast now that McCain has shown so little faith in the hearts and minds of women of America.
It has now been more than 8 hours and I am still irritated and even a bit outraged.
I will close with this thought:
GET OUT AND VOTE, but vote for what you BELIEVE in, not the gender or race of the candidate.