I’m voting for HRC. If by some miracle Bernie is the nominee, I’ll be voting for him instead just like I did for Obama. It’s more important that the Democrats win than my candidate.
So why HRC?
HRC is a proven leader on women’s rights.
As a woman, I want my government to recognize my right to bodily autonomy the same as any other citizen. If I want an abortion, it is my constitutional right to obtain one. If I want contraception, it is my constitutional right to obtain it even if it is an abortifacient. I have the right to choose my medical treatment together with my doctor. My government must recognize and uphold my rights as a citizen, irrespective of my gender. HRC has a track record of leading on women’s rights. She has openly called for the repeal of the Hyde Amendment. I know she understands the stakes. I have watched the rollback of women’s rights in other states, and I am horrified. This is a pressing issue that affects too many women. Women are not half citizens. In addition, I support her position on Paid Leave. I would also love an Equal Pay bill.
HRC knows what she’s in for.
One thing I hate about Democrats is that we never ram through our agenda when we have majorities. We’re too busy being the adults in the room. We’re not ruthless enough. It drove me nuts when Obama would negotiate from the center with the GOP because then we ended up with some programs that were farther right than I’d like. When we had the majority, we should have rammed through Obama’s nominees as well. We have a lot to protect and to expand on in the coming years — women’s rights, voting rights, union rights, public education, infrastructure investment, health care, and economic opportunities — and I know HRC is not afraid to fight. It’s going to be a knock down fight, and we’ll have a better chance of winning with HRC.
HRC has proven diplomatic experience.
As Secretary of State, HRC formed relationships with world leaders and practiced the fine art of diplomacy. She knows the players, she knows the conflicts, and even if she’s more hawkish than I’d like, I at least know that she’s informed and making the best calls for us all that she can.
HRC wants to work on gun violence.
I’ve lived everywhere except the Northwest, and I just don’t believe that there is nothing we can do on guns. It’s curious to me that it is easier for me to buy a gun than it is for me to drive a car. People have a right to arms, but too often that supercedes our right to live. HRC will work on making it harder for domestic abusers and the mentally ill purchase guns. She wants to make straw purchases a federal crime and repeal the gun industry’s immunity protection. There’s no reason why we can’t have guns who only fire for authorized users so we can quit having toddlers accidentally shoot themselves and others. HRC isn’t afraid to use executive orders to get done what she can by herself.
HRC has a proven record of taking care of those who take care of us.
I grew up as a military brat, and my immediate and extended family continues to serve in the armed forces. I like to quip that we bleed red, white, and blue; I’m sensitive on veteran and military issues. HRC’s work in the Senate providing assistance for veterans and their families makes me proud. She’ll block privatizing the VA, and I’m sure she’ll be using the bully pulpit to shame the Republicans the next time they block a veteran cost of living increase.
HRC wants to reform immigration.
As the child of immigrants, I firmly believe in the value and importance of allowing immigration. Since my family began its immigration in the late 1980s and completed it in the mid-to-late 1990s, the wait times have become ridiculous. The H1B system is abused, and people who were educated here from abroad have difficulty staying here and contributing to our society. I can’t forget to mention all the undocumented immigrants who need a path to citizenship. HRC is on the right side of history on this issue.
HRC knows that the criminal justice system needs massive reform.
Sure, she thought the problem in the mid 1990s was crime, but she’s become older and wiser to see that the problem is racial injustice. I like that she can admit that she was wrong.
HRC wants to raise the minimum wage and enhance Social Security.
I don’t believe in revolutions without great pain. There are many things that we can do to enhance this American life without a revolution that are ambitious already. HRC understands this. HRC can help us turn our course without blowing up the entire system. By not calling for a revolution, HRC is aware of her own limitations and that of our divided political system.
HRC wants to do something about college debt.
I would love to refinance my burdensome college debt at current rates. I’m currently consolidating some of my student loans so they will all be eligible for REPAYE (thanks Obama!).
HRC has coat tails.
HRC is a woman who represents many of the values I believe in.
It would be a delight to have a woman president with her values. It’s beyond time. HRC is actually an alumna from my alma mater. My alma mater has a reputation for being over-represented in areas where women are under-represented. Maybe it’s our shared background in this and all the other things she’s done to pave the way for me and others like me that makes me so absolutely certain that she knows how to fight and win.
I’m voting for HRC, and I’m proud of it!
