Many people I talk to say there is little difference between President Barack Obama and Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The last time I heard that was in 2000 in the Gore vs Bush Presidential race. That was wrong then and it is wrong now.
What effect could electing a President representing the Republican Party have on our country?
Let’s start with our lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender loved ones. Opposition to LGBT equality is a fundamental corner-stone of the Republican Party platform. Here is recent quote from Terry on this issue:
“Elections have serious consequences. People say they don’t care about politics, but I know they care about their friends being fired from their jobs for being gay, I know they care about respect for our relationships, and I know they care about LGBT suicide. Who is elected makes a huge difference for LGBT families and our whole community. I think it’s high time we demand our family and friends and the people closest to us consider our equality when they cast their vote. It is unacceptable for people who say they love us to support those who consistently block our path to justice and the dignity we deserve as Americans. They must be told that continuing to do so is an act of betrayal and will harm our relationships.” – Terry Bean from PQ Monthly Article: Difference-maker Terry Bean weighs in on politics – and this election
The Republican Party has made it perfectly clear that they do not support women’s rights. Jokes and parodies have been made of Mitt Romney’s reference to “binders full of women.” This is no joke, the next President will be appointing several Supreme Court Justices. Romney and Ryan have both strongly stated their support in overturning Roe vs Wade, literally putting “binders” on women’s right to choose. A conservative majority in the Supreme Court would accomplish this goal.
The Romney campaign was asked about the Lilly Ledbetter bill, whether Romney supported it? The answer was, “I’ll get back to you.” As President Obama pointed out in the second Presidential debate, “…that’s not the kind of advocacy that women need in any economy.”
In the past few weeks we have seen Romney change his stance on issues such as immigration, in attempt to soften his tone on key issues as the general election nears. But can we count him to follow through if elected? His ties to corporate big business and the Republican party machine are enough to make me seriously doubt that he would. Check out this video Terry shared on Facebook and see if you don’t think that history repeats itself:
Finally consider these last quotes from Terry featured in the PQ Monthly article. They are focused on the LGBT community, but they represent what is at stake for human rights in general:
“…Over the next few years, many LGBT cases will be heard at the highest level and it’s critical that President Obama is reelected so he can nominate judges who will treat our community’s concerns fairly and with an open mind.”
“The new health care law has a large number of provisions in it that help the LGBT community — and a progressive majority on the Supreme Court is also important to protect equal access to health care for LGBT Americans and their families. Everything we’ve worked so hard for, for decades, could be put in jeopardy if we have a President Romney instead of a President Obama.”
Of course Rick, Terry and I are voting for President Obama. But this is a year to do more that just cast a vote, talking to others about the differences and making it plain what is at stake if Mitt Romney is elected is so important. We are standing at critical crossroads for our nation and the wrong choice will move our country backward in so many areas. Let’s make a difference by choosing to move forward with Obama.