Tomorrow, I will proudly cast my vote for Barack Obama for President of the United States – in Hillary Clinton's home state.
The reasons are too many to list, but I'll give you a quick summary.
First of all, the Iraq war is the biggest issue facing our next President. (Some argue that the economy is fast replacing Iraq, including Clinton herself. I reject this argument.) Quite simply, Hillary Clinton voted to authorize the war in Iraq, and is attempting to squeeze her way out by saying that she relied on the President's word that he would pursue diplomacy to its end before attacking.
I remember Clinton calling Barack Obama "naïve and irresponsible." Well, it is naïve to trust a President that could not be trusted to wage a mature and wise foreign policy. It is irresponsible that Clinton did not read the National Intelligence Estimate (which casts doubt on the case for war), and supported a resolution entitled "Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq."
Finally, with regard to healthcare- Hillary's plan has an unacceptable Mitt Romney-style mandate provision. Simply, she will garnish your wages if you don't buy healthcare. What if you can't AFFORD it? CNN and Dr. Sanjay Gupta did a good piece on the failure of the MA standard.
Judgment is key. She keeps trying to apologize for numerous votes and positions (i.e. on Iraq, Iran, the recent bankruptcy bill, NAFTA, No Child Left Behind, etc.) Why should we keep giving her a pass on these votes and positions?
Her record shows a lack of judgment needed in Iraq and many other issues facing the country.
Contrast these positions to those of Barack Obama's positions. He was against the Iraq war from the start, he voted against the resolution that pushes war with Iran, and he does not support NAFTA. Further, he appeals to all demographics and political parties. His win in Iowa and South Carolina proves this point.
There is a reason why a former President, and numerous Governors, Mayors, Congressmen have spoken out in favor of Obama. He is our bridge to the 21st century.
Therefore, this New York voter will proudly vote for him. I hope you will consider doing the same.
