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Letter: The Top Ten reasons I’m voting for Obama
Op-Ed · September 17, 2008
This election year is one like no other. We have very intriguing candidates. Whether you identify as Republican/Democrat or as Conservative/Liberal, there are some points that should be noted. Living in rural Iowa is often one of the best places to be in order to maintain one’s birds-eye view of the election process. We have the honor of being the first in the country to kickoff the democratic election process with our caucuses and are often privy to more one-on-one time with the candidates. Having the “big picture” makes decision making a bit easier when it comes time to cast my vote in November.
I am the type of person that likes to receive all the facts before I make a decision. Like many of you, I am a small town person and my vote matters. With that being said, the candidate that best reflects my small town values, my integrity, and the ethics I represent are essential when selecting a candidate.
There has been one candidate presence in Iowa that has impressed me the most. This candidate and their party have been into our smaller communities as well as our larger ones. They have been encouraging house parties, hosting local events, participating in local parades, and contributing to our local economies.
Hype isn’t something that I buy into nor do most hard-working Iowans that I know. Please allow me to list the reasons for why I support the candidate of my choice and measure these values to see if they align with yours.
1) He supports the integrity of the constitution; including the preservation of the Second Amendment, yet believes there is a way to reduce the rate at which guns are used in crimes without affecting the Second Amendment.
2) He works hard to ensure all American’s are able to cast their vote.
3) He believes in the strength and importance of our Military – even while disagreeing with a particular use of force. He respects the service provided by our men and women who choose to serve or have served our great country. He believes that those who do serve should be entitled to an education and better health benefits than they are receiving now. This is important to me from the stand point that my own father served in the Korean War and was a disabled veteran.
4) He believes it is time that we stop having emotional attachments toward the hate and intolerance of others and work to reduce discrimination; even for those with disabilities within our communities.
5) This candidate believes in a stronger education system and better education opportunities for all. He will be putting our education system first in the world again to strengthen our competitive edge in the world along with more public school funding and more accountability.
6) He understands the importance of a strong community and believes in the human-will to overcome all odds along with keeping jobs in America and reducing the tax breaks for those who have moved jobs overseas.
7) Watching my father struggle prior to his passing with the cost of health care, has made health care an essential issue for me. He worked as a farmer/rancher his entire life and provided for his family. However, toward the end, he was significantly in debt as a result of the health care costs. No American should have to face financial ruin as a result of health care.
8) He has the most realistic approach to the concerns many have in regards to immigrations and believes there is a solution that will not exploit nor divide the citizens of this nation.
9) He is committed toward the advancement of all citizens regardless of disability, duration of service, background, sexual orientation, race, gender, and things of the like.
10) He believes in a new kind of politics where EVERYONE can come to the table and be heard without the business-as-usual Washington divisiveness and strategizing for political gain. He believes in a better American for ALL; not just the upper financially elite.
Overall, this candidate has the judgment and values that I am looking for in a candidate. This is why that I support Barack Obama for President. Please join me in my support in electing Barack Obama as our next President and set America back on the right course. He will give tax breaks back to the Americans that need them the most; our working class.
Sincerely,
Justin Nelson
Durant
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