Kerry voters, why are you voting for him

[caitycaity]

Originally posted by Christine
When Bush was elected, I was not against him. In fact, I would say that most of my life I leaned toward being Republican. At the end of this last 4 years of his presidency, I mostly feel sick to my stomach. I HATE the way this administration has used 9/11. Also, I have this horrible feeling that I wouldn't really be voting for Bush but for Cheney, Perle, Wolfowitz, and Rumsfeld. Those men have an antiquated, war-mongering, take over the world agenda and THEY SCARE ME.

Then, there's religion. I want a candidate who is temperate about their religion. Not some "born again" who is going to thrust their religious views upon me/my body and my lifestye. Keep YOUR religious beliefs out of my life. While Kerry is Catholic, he also seems to keep his religion to himself. He does not agree with abortion, but will not thrust his stance onto another person who must deal with it.

I guess it all boils down to trust. I know you can never trust any politician, really (that is sad), but I have to say that, in the past, I've mostly trusted the President--mostly. Now, unfortunately, I don't believe a word from our current administration and it is not a nice feeling at all. Right now, I think that Kerry is in tune to many that feel this way.

Am I really FOR Kerry? Well, I have never actually been FOR any of the new candidates. There is just never enough information out there for me that will let me get behind a candidate 100%. I usually lean toward the incumbant. Not this time.

i completely agree.

 

[MosMom]

Just a FYI

This board is the Community Board and for discussing things Disney and other things too. There are about 15 or more other boards devoted to Disney for Disney chat.

 

[ead79]

Elisabeth,
My apologies, please...

I knew my comment would probably strike a nerve for those that consider themselves Born Again Christians. I did not mean it to be hurtful. It is just that I feel very strongly about religion mixing with politics. I also feel that religion is VERY personal and should not pushed on anyone. My own personal experience with Born Again Christians or any fervent religious believer is that they they are on a mission to convert everyone to THEIR way. I believe that they have actually been told they *must* do this. In fact, I remember when I first moved to Japan, a VERY Christian man in my U.S. office told me to make sure I "go over to Japan, spread the word of Jesus, and convert those heathens." Wow!
Bush has admitted he is "born again". I am afraid that his beliefs will impact my life.

Christine, apology totally accepted.

As I said, I am sure you didn't mean it to be hurtful. I know that religion is a very personal thing to everyone. I certainly understand that you don't want to be forced to believe anything. I don't believe in trying to force others to believe as I do either. While evangelical Christians do believe in sharing about their faith/relationship with the Lord, I don't believe that it is proper to try to force anyone into believing in Jesus. I believe that God wants people to freely come to Him, not be forced or browbeaten into it.

 

[LauraR]

The environment is a top issue for me, and without saying anything negative about Bush, I can say Kerry has 98% voting record in favor of environmental protection. Also, not to bash Bush, but I am very concerned that we have gone from a budget surplus to racking up close to half a trillion dollars of debt a year. Kerry will repeal the tax cut for people making over $200,000, who IMHO don't need the money. I also admire Kerry's service in Vietnam. I certainly don't blame Bush (and Cheney) for avoiding going to Vietnam, since alot of people didn't want to go, but I think it shows character that Kerry volunteered (I may be influenced by the fact that my father is a Vietnam veteran).
Just a few reasons of the top of my head...

 

[Crankyshank]

I also need to add that voting for Kerry will piss my in-laws off, which is like jimmies on a sundae for me

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by Crankyshank
I didn't realize we needed to justify/defend our reasons for voting for someone.

Simply put, I am voting for Kerry because I feel he is the best man for the job. For the reasons Tink&SquirtsMom stated and also because of his voting record on violence against women.

In the issues that matter the most to me, his platform matches my personal stance.

Very well said! And I agree!

I hesitated to post at first because there are so many reaons I'm sure I will not express myself well and I really could write an essay (long post) about why I am afraid of Kerry not being elected.

He is intelligent. He will get us out of Iraq the best possible way. He will restore our credibility in the world (and I know many of you feel that this is not important, it is in our best interest as well as being the right thing to do). He will care more for the poor, the mentally ill, women, minorities, and homosexuals. He will put an end to that stupid "No child left behind." He will improve the economy by helping to create something other than Burger King jobs. I will worry less about the next supreme court appointment. I will worry less about women losing their right to choose. I will worry less about privacy issues.

More than anything, I will no longer be ashamed of my president.

 

[jmmom80]

Kerry will repeal the tax cut for people making over $200,000, who IMHO don't need the money.

who exactly gets the final say in deciding when someone does or doesn't need money or when someone else has enough money?

 

[Elwood Blues]

Originally posted by jmmom80
who exactly gets the final say in deciding when someone does or doesn't need money or when someone else has enough money?

Hillary Clinton (read my tag)

 

[SoonerKate]

Bush wrote his plan out where you can go and read it in detail. I wish Kerry would get more specific.
This way undecides could really make a good decision based on their beliefs.

I am voting for Bush because at least I know where he stands. I can't really say that about Kerry.

John Kerry has also written his plan where you can read it in detail.

http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/

There's a broader statement of his plans in the middle column, and if you look to the right, there are multiple documents you can download that detail what he wants to do in almost excruciating detail. Here's information on health care, national security (check the sidebar on the right for specific information on Iraq, securing chemical plants, strengthening the military, reducing dependence on foreign energy sources, etc.), civil rights and the economy . More outlines and plans are available at the first link.

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by SoonerKate
John Kerry has also written his plan where you can read it in detail.

http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/

There's a broader statement of his plans in the middle column, and if you look to the right, there are multiple documents you can download that detail what he wants to do in almost excruciating detail. Here's information on health care, national security (check the sidebar on the right for specific information on Iraq, securing chemical plants, strengthening the military, reducing dependence on foreign energy sources, etc.), civil rights and the economy . More outlines and plans are available at the first link.

Don't count on many people reading this -- there are quite a few out there who want to keep saying that Kerry only talks about his Vietnam record.

 

[noel]

I believe that John Kerry will bring integrity, intelligence and tolerance back to the White House.

I agree with his platform on every issue and feel he is the best man for the job.

auntpolly really summed up my feelings well in her post extremely well.....thank you

He is intelligent. He will get us out of Iraq the best possible way. He will restore our credibility in the world (and I know many of you feel that this is not important, it is in our best interest as well as being the right thing to do). He will care more for the poor, the mentally ill, women, minorities, and homosexuals. He will put an end to that stupid "No child left behind." He will improve the economy by helping to create something other than Burger King jobs. I will worry less about the next supreme court appointment. I will worry less about women losing their right to choose. I will worry less about privacy issues.

 

[tar heel]

Noel, AuntPolly and Christine pretty much summed up my feelings, too.

However, what's the problem with voting against Bush if you believe his policies are bad for the country?

I try to vote on issues rather than person. Sometimes, the two get mixed up, though. I dislike Bush's arrogance, but I'm against him on issues, too, so that one's easy. But in my Congressional race, I'm against the incumbent (a very nice person who goes to my church and shops at the same grocery store as I do) because I disagree vehemently with him on issues. I agree with the challenger on most issues but don't think her experience (or lack of it) qualifies her to be a congressman. I don't intend to vote in that race, at least partly to send a message to my district Democratic party that they can't nominate just anyone. I honestly can't say what I would do if the race were expected to be close, though -- would be hard not to vote on the issues with hopes that she would learn fast!

 

[KarenC]

I support John Kerry because he understands the importance of fiscal responsibility, because his views on social issues are consistent with my own, and because I think we need someone new in the white house to repair our relationships with our allies so be do not have to bear the costs in blood and treasure to extricate ourselves from W's non-so-excellent Iraq adventure.

I like John Kerry because he's a serious guy and these are serious times. He understands that our dependence on foreign oil is why we are so entangled in the Middle East. I like what I hear when he says we can't drill our way out of that problem--we have to invent our way out of it. He knows that the strength of America is our ability to solve problems with innovative solutions.
Kind of like John F. Kennedy's send a man to the moon challenge.

 

[AmyBeth68]

I think the OP asked a very legitimate question and I've found many of the replies to be well thought out and informative. At least thus far, this has been a good exercise in healthy political dialogue.

I have to say that it is very clear where President Bush stands on many issues, he has done an excellent job of laying out his vision. I am a Democrat, but I can respect him and agree with him on certain issues. However, I am one of those annoying "undecideds" so I'm looking for good information wherever I can find it. Unfortunately, John Kerry has not been as clear with his plan as I would hope. I am very much looking forward to the debates so I can hear the candidates in one forum discuss their visions and plans.

How do you plan to protect us AT HOME? What is your plan for withdrawal from Iraq and what is the timetable? What is your plan for spurring on the economy - exactly? How are you going to handle Iran, North Korea, Syria....? These are things I want to hear from both candidates...side by side. So I can make the best decision for me and my family.

I'm just REALLY tired of the ridiculous attacks. I don't want to hear any more about Vietnam and Swift Boats! I don't want to hear any more about Bush's National Guard Service! I don't want to hear the term "flip-flop" or even see a pair of "flip-flops" anymore LOL. Look...both candidates have flip-flopped. But is it really such a bad thing to re-think your position and change your mind after you receive different facts or information? Bush claimed he would not nation-build. But here we are in Iraq? Even if you don't agree with us being in Iraq, you have to admit that circumstances changed which lead him to that decision. Kerry's flip-flopping is a bit excessive, yes, but if he would just explain to us why he changed his mind I'd be much happier. I hope they ask him about this in the debates. I just want truthful and honest discourse.

Sorry so long...I can talk politics all day!

 

[jrydberg]

tar heel, I don't think there's anything wrong with voting for Kerry because you don't like Bush. It is, after all, a matter of choosing between the two.

My only criticism has been of Kerry's campaign in that regard. Doesn't seem like a winning strategy IMO.

 

[palmtreegirl]

But in all honesty I don't think any threads posted here have any chance of changing anyone's mind.

Don't forget there are undecided voters still out there, like myself, who are actually very interested in these kinds of threads.

 

[orvilleair]

To the OP, it is more of an anti-Bush than pro-Kerry sentiment. You have to ask if this country is better off than it was four years ago, and in my opinion it isn't.

I'm a registered independent, and all of the Bush cards I received in the mail represent his social issues (especially the gay marriage stuff). I really feel that there are more important issues in the country than gay marriage, abortion and putting a man on Mars. I received no Kerry literature, other than from my wife's union.

Look at Disney, are they better off than they were four years ago. They're not, and that's why an unprecidented 40%+ shareholders voted to remove Eisner.

Fiscally, the Republican party has abandoned that platform, so there is no choice if you're a fiscal conservative.

 

[septbride2002]

I also need to add that voting for Kerry will piss my in-laws off, which is like jimmies on a sundae for me

Me too!

There are several reasons that I like Kerry as a candidate better then Bush.

1) Equal Opportunity for All! I've said it once and I'll say it again. Any candidate that continually preaches their religious beliefs makes me nervous. And when laws are being decided based on those beliefs then I believe we are heading down the same road as many of the Arab nations. If we deny rights to one we will soon be deny rights to many. I believe the Kerry will do the right thing in giving rights and protecting freedoms of those that may not live life like the majority.

2) On Environmental issues it has been shown that Kerry votes pro the environment.

3) I like what Kerry has had to say on protecting Home land Security.
-Track And Stop Terrorists
-Protect Our Borders And Shores
-Improve Domestic Readiness

4) I believe that Kerry will rebuild our alliances with countries that did not support us going into Iraq. Something I am still angry about considering that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 - the man who did is still at large! Hello!

Those are just a couple of my reasons. The biggest reason being the 1st one. I believe that if President Bush is left in charge that we will soon find our freedoms limited. I am also concerned that the gap betweens the Have's (people with extra surplus $) and the Have Nots (everyone else) is becoming to wide. This is not a good thing and needs to be a concern for everyone. As the gap widens it puts us more and more at risk for financial ruin. I think Kerry has a better crasp on making things right rather then allowing larger tax cuts for those that are in the Have category.

~Amanda

 

[dmadman43]

Originally posted by mamajoan
First off... demanding that reasons be limited by what YOU think are creditable is somewhat arrogant on your part, you bash Kerry/Edwards but will not allow your opponent the same tactic. You are ready for a fight... and no one seems to want to put on the gloves when they are to have one hand behind their back.....
Honestly... there are two viable candidates on the 2004 presidential election ballot..... one is Mr. Bush- who in my opinion has done what he has wanted to do during his tenure as president.... and I am not in agreement with many things he has promoted along the way. It seems if I am to make a decision between viable candidates that I must take Mr. Bush's record into account.

If I do NOT vote for Mr. Kerry... that is like a vote for Mr. Bush and I WILL NOT DO THAT .. NO WAY ... NO HOW!

One reason to vote for the Kerry/Edwards ticket - I feel that they have a more balanced vision of the United States population in comparison to Mr Bush/Mr. Cheney. I feel they will get us out of IRAQ as soon as they possibly can.. and are upfront about the fact that unfortunately the US will have to stay in IRAQ for 4 more years If Kerry/Edwards become head of the next regime their hands have been somewhat tied by their predecessor. ( this is somewhat true of all New hands to the office when a new party comes in) I pray that whoever ends up in charge will be strong.. yet kind, peaceful, intelligent and have an open mind.

Please don't BASH ME for giving MY reasons... know that it is clear in my mind and heart. Did I bash Bush/Cheney.. nope... Do I think that you will reply with an assortment of Kerry/Edwards bashes.. you bet! Will I reply again.... nope..

Like I said, I know there are people that are voting AGAINST Bush. I can accept that. Thanks for your well thought out response.

 

[dmadman43]

Originally posted by Tink&SquirtsMom
I have plenty of reasons for voting FOR Kerry (and plenty too for voting against Bush). I just hesitate to post because I don't have the always have the time or patience to defend myself against the inevitable flames I will get and I hate to think that my lack of response will be seen by some as agreement with their arguements, because its certainly not.

That said heres a short list of why I will proudly vote for John F. Kerry (I will not list Vietnam or anti Bush remarks per your original post, I will however point out what I think are faults in the current administrations plan to compare/contrast with Kerry):

I believe he shows a Principle over Politics attitude hard to find in many politicians. Evidence of this is shown in his investigation into the Bank of Credit and Commerce International. This was a massive criminal enterprise, that reached deep into the pockets of terrorist groups and drug lords. But more surprisingly it reached into Washington and even top Democratic party officials and the CIA urged JK to back of this investigation at serious risk to his political career... he did not. Many others in both the Republican and Democrat party refused to touch this investigation due to the political implications. The results of this investigation led several indictments and a breakdown in some terrorist and criminal funding as well as legislation authored by JK against such acts. I think he has exhibited this character many other times including his investigation into the Contras implicating inpropriaty as high as the White House leading to a report that was buried by both Republicans and Democrats but later confirmed as true by the CIA, searching for remaining POWs in Vietnam which led to Vietnam regaining trade status with America, his incessant fight for our environment (sponsored the first bill on Acid Rain, and many more environmental laws since, his backing of John McCain's campaign finance reform law, and his coauthoring of the even more stringent clean campaign law.

I firmly support him on His No Child Left Behind "flip flop." I think rather then being bad or hypocritical its to his benefit that his position has changed on this issue. No Child Left Behind, while not being enough, was a start and the President promised to fund it. It was a good thing, so he voted for it. Unfortunately it was SERIOUSLY underfunded and now puts undue strain on schools who are forced to comply with these new requirements but whose funds rather then increased as promised, were actually cut. Given the situation the program is currently in, it is bad for education and needs to be dealt with. John Kerry is now against the No Child Left Behind Act in its current state and promises to fund and expand on it when President.

I believe John F Kerry would better fund Homeland Security on US soil. Over a billion dollars has been cut from our fire fighters and policemen since 9-11. We need to be increasing their budget not cutting from it. Our fire fighter and policemen serve us well and I want them to be paid well and have more officers on duty should another tragedy occur (or better yet to prevent another one from occuring).

The current administration is picking and choosing which of the bipartisan 9-11 commison recommendations to follow. The comission has said that their recommendations will only work in concert (in other words all or none). They have said to chose and intelligence czar without implimenting other recommendations (as the current administartion has said they are considering) will leave us MORE vulnerable to attack. Kerry will work to immediately put into effect all recommendations of the 9-11 comission.

Shoot my laptop is losing power. I will try to get back on tomorrow to continue...

Edited to add... okay power cord up and running.

John Kerry voted for the 87 billion Iraq reconstruction package before he voted against it. Another supposed flip flop I fully support. John Kerry's supprt for the 87 billion dollar reconstruction package was on the basis that 20 billion of it be made as a loan due back to us from Iraq over a long period of time. Many Republicans broke ranks and voted along with Democrats in support of this. President Bush said he would not sign it into law with a loan being part of the package. So it was represented with us giving Iraq billions of dollars with no hope of ever getting it back. So guess whose paying for it? This money was to that build police Sations, hospitals, fire stations, etc. While they should have new infrastructure in Iraq we should not be giving it to them scot free while cutting funding for those same things here. I fully support Kerry's stance on this. On top of which there has been no accountability of this money, and on audits billions of it has been missing. Kerry promises declassification and accountability of money being spent in Iraq.

I think John Kerry will be strong in terror without spreading our military too thin by taking on other pre-emptive wars.

Finally (its getting late and Pop Daddy is probably already enraged at this post length) as a Christian, a woman, and a mother, I believe John Kerry will appoint judges and cabinet more likely to agree with my social and political ideals.

Flame away, but know these are just my opinions on why I will vote for Kerry. You are not gonna change my mind. I surely do not agree with why some of you will vote for Bush.

Perfect! Thanks. The only thing missing is evidence of any record behind this.