Have you picked your candidate yet?

kd.joseph

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:c776eacd-5a1b-49fd-886c-c6ff680a071b">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Have you picked your candidate yet? : And I should have voted for who, mccain? Or a third party candidate?
Posted by HoorayForSoup[/QUOTE]

Yep!

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:8fa1ce68-2ddb-476d-9a2a-78f364930a9f">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Have you picked your candidate yet? : <strong>I have a feeling its going to go something like this: "as a lesbian, it makes me sad that people would vote for someone who doesnt support my lifestyle".</strong> Because there are no gay republicans and we are all homophobes. Duh.
Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

I tried to post last night in response... but, kept getting error messages...  I now believe that TK is run by republicans and it's an elaborate scheme to silence my voice.  <insert sarcasm here />

Well, I hate to dissapoint you... but, that is actually not why the thread made me sad.   Yes, I'm a big ol queer.  Yes, the topic comes up quite frequently right now in connection with planning our wedding.  I have talked about gay marriage more in the past 6 months than I have in the 18 years since I came out.  But, being queer and wishing gay marriage was legal is only a small percentage of who I am as a whole person.  Just like I imagine your heterosexuality is only a small part of who you are.  You have other beliefs, concerns, ideals, etc.  Your heterosexuality will influence those beliefs, but it is not the definition of who you are.

So, what makes me sad is threads like these remind me of the bubble I live in.  I can honestly say I do not know one person who would vote for Romney.  Living in the SF Bay Area gives me the luxury of living in this little bubble of liberalism.  I am reminded that there are TONS of people out there who WILL vote for him, and it kinda freaks me out, cuz, honestly, I don't get it.  It's not that I don't understand the budget issues, unemployment numbers, etc., it's just that there are so many other issues that are of higher importance to me, and sometimes, I sit back and wonder why other people aren't focusing on those issues.

So, my issues, and the reasons I would never ever ever vote for Romney... 

Yes, gay marriage is an issue for me.  And it shouldn't be left up to states to decide whether I am granted a basic civil right.  People shouldn't be permitted to vote on whether another person is granted a civil right.  That's why they are called "rights" and not "options".   Civil rights are not always popular.  The majority should not be permitted to decide when the minority is given rights.  

I don't see anyone here really talking about the institutional racism in this country.  I'm not talking about the racism from the man on the street. I'm referring to the system of racism that is in firmly in place in the education system and the criminal justice system. 

I don't see anyone talking about the huge inequities in the education system.  Middle class and rich children get a better education than poor children.  Just because someone's parents pay more taxes than another kid's parents, should not determine the value of the child and the quality of education that the child gets.  When you drive through a "good" neighborhood and visit one of the schools there, the kids have a computer lab, books, clean schools, chairs, desks, and better teachers.  Drive through a poorer school in the same district, and the kids don't even have heat in their classrooms.  They are in the same district, but the parents in the good neighborhoods pay more taxes, therefore, their schools get more attention.   Public schools should have funds distributed equally, regardless of which kids have rich parents.

I don't see anyone talking about poverty.  Poverty didn't happen by accident, and the systems in place will always guarantee that certain groups of people stay in poverty.  I am an advocate of social justice programs that will bring people out of poverty, but those rarely get funded.

I see people talking about unemployment, but no one is acknowledging that black and brown folks have been living with those unemployment numbers for decades.  Unemployment only really became a hot topic when middle class white folks were being laid off and fired in massive numbers.   To me, that is an indication of who has value in this country, and it has never been poor people or people of color.

It makes me sad that even though the mainstream republicans have mildly denounced the birther movement and the "legitimate rape" BS happening right now, they didn't go nearly far enough.   What the birther movement is saying is that Obama isn't one of "us". Not patriotic enough, not American enough, and really, not white enough.  The birthers are racists.  And the fact that the republican candidates don't say that, out loud, is disturbing to me. 

I see the posts here about Roe v Wade not being overturned.  You know, you are probably right. R v W probably won't get overturned by Scotus.  Honestly, it doesn't have to be overturned.  Individual conservative states are doing a great job at denying access to women all over the country.  This is another example of "states rights".  It's bogus that a state should determine whether or not I have access to abortion services.  A state shouldn't be able to require that I get spousal or parental consent for an abortion, but they are doing it.  A state shouldn't be allowed to pass laws that severely restrict abortion providers, so much so, that they end up closing their doors, but they are doing it.   You don't have to "ban" something to remove access.   There are major areas in this country that do not have an abortion provider.  Women have to travel long distances, into another state to get abortion services.  That really is an equivalant to banning the procedure. 

I am concerned about passing a balanced budget, but I'm more concerned about black and brown kids getting shot in the back by white cops. And the system of violence and racism that infects most police departments in this country. 

So... I think that's enough for one post... but, yeah..  the thread makes me sad.

And don't get me wrong.  I'm not a huge Obama fan.  He isn't nearly radical or liberal enough for me.

But, honestly, Romney tied his dog to the roof of his car.  Even without all the other shitttt...  anyone who does that is a huge asshole and shouldn't be the president.

NuggetBrain

I'm voting for Obama because while I am less than pleased with some of his actions and policies, I don't trust a word that comes out of Mittens' flip-flopping mouth. And after his statement today saying "They didn't ask for my birth certificate, they know I was born and raised here" I have even more disgust for his attempt to bring birtherism back into the discussion to get more votes (because I don't believe for a second that Romney honestly doesn't think Obama wasn't born here).

MarginaliaMelody

Gooood afternoon, TKers! This is one of my first posts, and reading this thread has been thoroughly fascinating.

I'll start by saying that I exercised my constitutional right in the last presidential election to vote for... nobody. That's right. I didn't vote.

For me, social issues have always been important, because one of the things that has always been important to me and in my life has been fairness, giving everyone an equal shot and letting them make their own decisions, as well as treating people as equally as possible. Now that the economy has become a huge issue, and I've found myself thinking more and more about fiscal issues. Where do I stand?

I'm a social liberal and a fiscal conservative. I've come to this conclusion in my short time on this earth: I am a libertarian and will not be voting for either the republican or democratic nominees. Unless, of course, the RNC pulls a fast one and nominates Gary Johnson, who I will probably be voting for (if I can get my absentee ballot).

I simply can't bring myself to vote for a republican candidate who supports (even nominally, in the name of getting votes - that's dishonest and I hate it) the legislation of their own personal view of morality (abortion, birth control, gay marriage, etc.) or a democrat who wouldn't support the kind of tax reform and economics I think we need for a sustainable and profitable nation. These issues for me are not one more important than the other. I think they all have to work together to create an incredible country I'm proud to serve. Of course, this means that the candidate I vote for probably won't win, but at least I'm doing what I think is right.

Just my two cents : ) Not looking to start a fight or anything, which is why I am not responding directly to any one post.

Blueyed228

I think its funny that Romneys dog issue gets brought up all the time when Obama ATE AN EFFING DOG.

kd.joseph

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:cf16af5a-ef80-4d7b-9a0c-a3278b38b012">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]I think its funny that Romneys dog issue gets brought up all the time when Obama ATE AN EFFING DOG.
Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

Well her statement about the dog made me change my vote!.....NOT!


And I'm quite sure none of us did stupid stuff without thinking at a young age. I wish I could talk to my younger self. God, forbid any of you get into politics and people dig in your closets.

Blueyed228

I was going to respond to the rest of it but all I got from it was "Im sad because none of you care about racism, gay people, poor people, etc".

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:7566a7a3-db3f-4f91-84f2-4e9396766f89">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]I was going to respond to the rest of it but all I got from it was "Im sad because none of you care about racism, gay people, poor people, etc".
Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

Actually, I'm sad that most politicians don't give a shittt or care about any of those issues (including Obama). And, I honestly can't understand why anyone would vote for a politician that doesn't give a shittt about those issues.  

Clearly the dog comment was said with sarcasm, but ya'll don't know me, so you wouldn't get that.  Do I think Mitt is a big ol asshole for doing that?  Absolutely.  But, clearly, based on the rest of my post, that isn't the reason I wouldn't vote for him.

I'm not voting for Obama either.  I'm sure he knew from the beginning his chances of re-election were slim to none.  In my opinion, he should have gone in there blazing and really made an effort to do some radical shitttt, and not worried about getting elected again.

Blueyed228

The problem with social issues are that society needs to get behind them first before the politicians do.  That doesnt make them more or less important in terms of what is right or wrong, but it doesnt make those issues the fault of the politicians.  It makes it the fault of society.

That was my point in saying that the fight should be at the states level right now.  If most states legalized it, then the politicians at the federal level would be forced to address the issue on a serious level.  But everyone is so quick to make social issues presidential issues when they just are not.  Politicians are not likely to vote in something that more than half of the people dont want, and right now in this country there are more people who are against gay marriage than are for it.  Like I said, it doesnt make it right, its just fact.  I would love to see it legalized everywhere, but i put my effort into educating the people about it and trying to get people on "my side" of the movement.  Because once the majority is for it, then the politicians will fall in line.

I wish it would happen overnight, but im realistic about it.  I think that there are some huge gains that have happened in the gay rights movement in the last 5-10 years.  And I think in the next 5-10 years this will hopefully be a non-issue because people will stop caring about what other people do in their personal lives.  And each generation that comes up has a smarter and more accepting view on gay marriage and homosexuality.

I dont say that to minimize what gay people are going through right now, because Im not gay and if I was I would be fighting just as hard as they are right now.

SachaBee

Blue, I think that you should go back and reread cmgilpin's long and well-thought-out post. You may disagree with her but she brought up some good points from the liberal side and it shouldn't be reduced to her last sarcastic dog-on-the-roof comment.

I also want to say that I am learning from everyone on this thread and it is really nice to see some respectful dialogue for once. Party politics in this country (and many other countries, I am not naive to that) are just weird and divisive and unhealthy, really.

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:f918457a-90f3-426b-a102-979614e45eca">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>The problem with social issues are that society needs to get behind them first before the politicians do. </strong> That doesnt make them more or less important in terms of what is right or wrong, but it doesnt make those issues the fault of the politicians.  It makes it the fault of society. That was my point in saying that the fight should be at the states level right now.  If most states legalized it, then the politicians at the federal level would be forced to address the issue on a serious level.  But everyone is so quick to make social issues presidential issues when they just are not.  Politicians are not likely to vote in something that more than half of the people dont want, and right now in this country there are more people who are against gay marriage than are for it.  Like I said, it doesnt make it right, its just fact.  I would love to see it legalized everywhere, but i put my effort into educating the people about it and trying to get people on "my side" of the movement.  Because once the majority is for it, then the politicians will fall in line. I wish it would happen overnight, but im realistic about it.  I think that there are some huge gains that have happened in the gay rights movement in the last 5-10 years.  And I think in the next 5-10 years this will hopefully be a non-issue because people will stop caring about what other people do in their personal lives.  And each generation that comes up has a smarter and more accepting view on gay marriage and homosexuality. I dont say that to minimize what gay people are going through right now, because Im not gay and if I was I would be fighting just as hard as they are right now.
Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

I actually agree with you that this is the way it is.  But, I don't think that's the way it should be.  All politicians, republican, democrat and everywhere in between work harder on getting elected and staying in office than they actually do on the issues. Which is why I don't normally vote for mainstream candidates. 

In general though, there are very few republicans since I have been of voting age (I'm 42, so I've voted for quite a while now) that are even a tiny bit in alignment with my beliefs.

I do agree that gay rights have come a long way in the past 5-10 years, and I'm sure someday gay marriage will be legal.  I doubt it will happen in my lifetime on a federal level though.  I imagine it will sit as a states rights issue for the next 15-20 years at least. 

Blueyed228

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:312b4b9a-84bc-4d0e-b364-b34057bfe829">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Have you picked your candidate yet? : I actually agree with you that this is the way it is. <strong><u> But, I don't think that's the way it should be.</u></strong>  All politicians, republican, democrat and everywhere in between work harder on getting elected and staying in office than they actually do on the issues. Which is why I don't normally vote for mainstream candidates.  In general though, there are very few republicans since I have been of voting age (I'm 42, so I've voted for quite a while now) that are even a tiny bit in alignment with my beliefs. I do agree that gay rights have come a long way in the past 5-10 years, and I'm sure someday gay marriage will be legal.  I doubt it will happen in my lifetime on a federal level though.  I imagine it will sit as a states rights issue for the next 15-20 years at least. 
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

I dont either,but its just the way it is.  They wont get elected on unpopular issues and thats all they really care about.

Sasha- i did read her response. I chose not to get into it because I vehemently disagree with the majority of what she said and dont see a point in arguing about something we are not going to find any common ground on.

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:6c25e4a9-9728-4a25-a70d-2e1824ca63a4">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Have you picked your candidate yet? : <strong>I dont either,but its just the way it is</strong>.  They wont get elected on unpopular issues and thats all they really care about. Sasha- i did read her response. I chose not to get into it because I vehemently disagree with the majority of what she said and dont see a point in arguing about something we are not going to find any common ground on.
Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

In my opinion... hundreds of thousands, actually, probably millions, of people vote for the lesser of two evils.  They may not agree with Romney or Obama 100%, and there may be a third party candidate that is more aligned with their beliefs.  But, they don't vote for him/her because they don't think he/she is electable.  The problem with that though, is if everyone just voted for what they thought was right (according to their own belief system) instead of aligning themselves with only one or two parties, there could be radical shifts in this country (In either direction). 

That's my goal as a politically active person.  Get people to actually THINK about who they are voting for and why, and not who they think will win and pull a random blue or red lever in the voting booth.   Even if it takes 20 election cycles to finally elect someone with more radical thinking, when people start seeing poll numbers rise for a random third party candidate, another third party candidate will show up next year, and the year after... etc. 

SachaBee

cmgilpin, I really wish that would happen. I'd like to hear more about your philosophy on that and also the pitfalls of it. I mean, you live in California--so it's not like you're going to give your vote to what you see as the greater of two evils. But I've only ever lived and voted in swing states. I really think I need to vote for someone I agree with at least mostly, who has a chance at winning and beating someone I agree with less. What do you think?

Blueyed228

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:64bf19e8-6e83-4a35-a5ee-0840b16becf3">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Have you picked your candidate yet? : In my opinion... hundreds of thousands, actually, probably millions, of people vote for the lesser of two evils.  They may not agree with Romney or Obama 100%, and there may be a third party candidate that is more aligned with their beliefs.  But, they don't vote for him/her because they don't think he/she is electable.  The problem with that though, is if everyone just voted for what they thought was right (according to their own belief system) instead of aligning themselves with only one or two parties, there could be radical shifts in this country (In either direction).  That's my goal as a politically active person.  Get people to actually THINK about who they are voting for and why, and not who they think will win and pull a random blue or red lever in the voting booth.   Even if it takes 20 election cycles to finally elect someone with more radical thinking, when people start seeing poll numbers rise for a random third party candidate, another third party candidate will show up next year, and the year after... etc. 
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

I think a lot people vote based off of things that are not social issues. Things like the economy.

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:d6c6bea7-848f-4473-98e2-288d354d284c">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]cmgilpin, I really wish that would happen. I'd like to hear more about your philosophy on that and also the pitfalls of it. I mean, you live in California--so it's not like you're going to give your vote to what you see as the greater of two evils. But I've only ever lived and voted in swing states. I really think I need to vote for someone I agree with at least mostly, who has a chance at winning and beating someone I agree with less. What do you think?
Posted by SachaBee[/QUOTE]

I certainly think living in a swing state makes the decision of who to vote for harder.  I lived in Pennsylvania for 8 years, and I did tend to lean more democrat when I lived there (particularly for local and state level races) just for that reason. 

I do think change like this is a gradual thing.  There have been a few times that a random third party candidate has gained steam on a national level.  Consider Ross Perot and Ralph Nadar.  They heavily influenced races.  Supporting a candidate doesn't necessarily have to mean you vote for him/her when you go to the polls.  It could mean giving money to the candidate to continue their campaign so they can get their message out. 

You know a third party candidate is dangerous when the mainstream candidates try to silence their voices. When you hear about candidates trying to keep them out of debates, or get them off the ballots, you know they are nervous about what is going to be said, that they will have to respond to.

A third party candidate probably isn't going to win the election, but they do bring dialogue and force mainstream candidates to talk about things that otherwise would have never been brought up.  I think that's more than half of the battle, honestly.

That is one of the reasons I love the Occupy movement so much.  I don't actually think the Occupy movement did much to influence major economic change, but it DID force dialogue across social classes that wasn't happening before.

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:d50d2152-643f-4bd2-8160-604ec2761fbd">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Have you picked your candidate yet? : I think a lot people vote based off of things that are not social issues. Things like the economy.
Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

I agree with you.  I just think the ecomony is intimately connected to social issues, and that isn't being addressed on a larger scale. 

mica178

I think a lot of people who vote based on social issues overestimate what the President can really do.

Blueyed228

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:59fcc62a-227c-4e5b-b107-281e037df8e4">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]I think a lot of people who vote based on social issues overestimate what the President can really do.
Posted by mica178[/QUOTE]

This is exactly what i was trying to say earlier.  I agree 100%

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:59fcc62a-227c-4e5b-b107-281e037df8e4">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]I think a lot of people who vote based on social issues overestimate what the President can really do.
Posted by mica178[/QUOTE]

I agree with that also.  I don't believe the President can do much in the terms of social issues. because of the way our system is set up.  But, the President has a major voice and influence.  I'm not voting for anyone who won't speak up about those social issues.

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:47c24049-bc77-4c25-8f0f-6d2efba8d3f7">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]Gooood afternoon, TKers! This is one of my first posts, and reading this thread has been thoroughly fascinating. I'll start by saying that I exercised my constitutional right in the last presidential election to vote for... nobody. That's right. I didn't vote. For me, social issues have always been important, because one of the things that has always been important to me and in my life has been fairness, giving everyone an equal shot and letting them make their own decisions, as well as treating people as equally as possible. Now that the economy has become a huge issue, and I've found myself thinking more and more about fiscal issues. Where do I stand? I'm a social liberal and a fiscal conservative. I've come to this conclusion in my short time on this earth: I am a libertarian and will not be voting for either the republican or democratic nominees. Unless, of course, the RNC pulls a fast one and nominates Gary Johnson, who I will probably be voting for (if I can get my absentee ballot). I simply can't bring myself to vote for a republican candidate who supports (even nominally, in the name of getting votes - that's dishonest and I hate it) the legislation of their own personal view of morality (abortion, birth control, gay marriage, etc.) or a democrat who wouldn't support the kind of tax reform and economics I think we need for a sustainable and profitable nation. These issues for me are not one more important than the other. I think they all have to work together to create an incredible country I'm proud to serve. Of course, this means that the candidate I vote for probably won't win, but at least I'm doing what I think is right. Just my two cents : ) Not looking to start a fight or anything, which is why I am not responding directly to any one post.
Posted by MarginaliaMelody[/QUOTE]

I do believe that I largely agree with very  much of this.  Minus the being new, and the not voting in the last election thing.  And probably the not looking to start a fight thing, because I do that a lot.  But, all the important stuff.

NuggetBrain

I think EVERYONE overestimates what the President can do.  Be it fix the economy or make gay marriage legal.  Let's be honest here, the real people who affect what gets done in our government is the Senate and Congress. 

J&K10910

Wait, people get things done in our government?

mkrupar

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:9406bd52-4952-4065-b71c-3ef99f73f33c">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Have you picked your candidate yet? : I do believe that I largely agree with very  much of this.  Minus the being new, and the not voting in the last election thing.  And probably the not looking to start a fight thing, because I do that a lot.  But, all the important stuff.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I agree with this, and was shocked to see PP mention Gary Johnson. I don't know much about him, but I know that's who my H would vote for. He's done his research, I haven't. I'm still very undecided at the moment. I wish like hell there was a third party in this country because of those that are fiscally conservative, yet socially liberal. I don't think it's right to have to choose between which is more important. If I feel strongly about both of those issues, why can't I have my voice heard? Why do I have to compromise one side of my beliefs for the other?

</div>

SachaBee

Thank you for responding cmgilpin! I will think about what you said and keep my eye on third parties--especially local since I tend to pay more attention there anyway, at least for now.

mkrupar, I know so many people like that. It's really depressing. They shouldn't have to choose between economy and equality. (Also, I love your picture!)

Lenore2010

I am doing a write in, unsure as to who for just yet. I lean Libertarian in many ways, but I am not a fan of Ron Paul.

MarginaliaMelody

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_have-you-picked-your-candidate-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1869b7d6-e981-4700-9003-fff8d43ebadePost:f918457a-90f3-426b-a102-979614e45eca">Re: Have you picked your candidate yet?</a>:
[QUOTE]The problem with social issues are that society needs to get behind them first before the politicians do.  That doesnt make them more or less important in terms of what is right or wrong, but it doesnt make those issues the fault of the politicians.  It makes it the fault of society. That was my point in saying that the fight should be at the states level right now.  If most states legalized it, then the politicians at the federal level would be forced to address the issue on a serious level.  But everyone is so quick to make social issues presidential issues when they just are not.  Politicians are not likely to vote in something that more than half of the people dont want, and right now in this country there are more people who are against gay marriage than are for it.  Like I said, it doesnt make it right, its just fact.  I would love to see it legalized everywhere, but i put my effort into educating the people about it and trying to get people on "my side" of the movement.  Because once the majority is for it, then the politicians will fall in line. I wish it would happen overnight, but im realistic about it.  I think that there are some huge gains that have happened in the gay rights movement in the last 5-10 years.  And I think in the next 5-10 years this will hopefully be a non-issue because people will stop caring about what other people do in their personal lives.  And each generation that comes up has a smarter and more accepting view on gay marriage and homosexuality. I dont say that to minimize what gay people are going through right now, because Im not gay and if I was I would be fighting just as hard as they are right now.
Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

Blue- I think it's important to note when talking about gay marriage rights that it is, on a very important level, federal. This has to do with recognizing the marriage in another state - right now, heterosexual marriages are legal in every state and recognized by other states. I could be married in Hawaii and have it recognized by every state in the union based on full faith and credit.

However, due to nasty crap like DoMA, states don't have to recognize gay marriages from other states if they don't want to, and quite frankly, it's not only a full faith and credit issue, but it's also somewhat an issue of interstate commerce, especially federal taxes, as well as immigration, health benefits, and other financial benefits allotted to married couples. This also includes the treatment of military spouses, because regardless of what state they are married in, DoMA restricts the definition of marriage so that they don't get anything from the federal government other spouses would, including health care benefits and extra money for members with dependents.

 In this view, it isn't necessarily an issue of "right or wrong." It's an economic issue, certainly, as well as a judicial issue. Of course the president should have little to no official say in what becomes/remains law and constitutional, but he/she does have pull and that's important. I think someone else noted that, as well, and it can't be ignored. I hope the Supreme Court reviews a DoMA case soon and finds that sucker so unconstitutional it won't know what happened (figuratively, of course).

Also, while I agree that there are more people who are against (and some people who are simply "not for") gay marriage and the politicians "represent" that, I really wish they would realize it is not their place to dictate the nation's laws based on their own personal sense of 'right' and 'wrong.' I know I can't change this, but I would like to express my frustration with the whole thing. I'm sure you can empathize.

Thanks for taking your time to help that cause! I really hope your (and all of the community supportive of gay rights) efforts are not all for naught!