A friend I met at Netroots Nation asked me to post a letter to undecided voters. I ask that you please take a look and pass it along to any undecided voters you may know - particularly women. Thanks!
Dear Undecided Voters,
As we have heard countless times over these past months, this election is not about choosing a republican or a democrat and it is not about choosing the candidate who successfully panders to the masses during the election period – it is about electing the candidate whose record shows a firm commitment to choosing what is best for the greater American good.
Whichever candidate is elected will be in charge of shaping the future of America and, after Election Day, the decisions made by the elected individuals are going to change the realities of our day-to-day lives.
If we cannot choose who to elect strictly based on party affiliation, what is said on the campaign trail, and the content of the commercials we see – how should we decide who to vote for? Well, why not consider the full scope of what each of these individuals has actually done and the paths they have already set Americans on?
Don’t worry about going on a lengthy web quest trying to dig up voting records and policy positions- Feminist Majority has put together a clear presentation of the candidates' records on issues historically important to both men and women. Here are some highlights from their findings:
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Senators Obama and Biden have sponsored and supported legislation, including funding, to reduce violence against women and to assist women survivors of domestic abuse. Biden authored the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Obama cosponsored the reauthorization of VAWA and authored legislation on violence against women as an Illinois State Senator.
Click here to view their individual voting records
ABORTION AND CONTRACEPTION
Senators Obama and Biden have strong records in support of women’s reproductive rights, including support for Roe v. Wade. Obama has a 100% voting record from NARAL and PPFA. Obama and Biden have supported funding for family planning and support comprehensive "age-appropriate sex education". Obama has pledged to repeal the Global Gag Rule.
Click here to view their individual voting records
WOMEN AND WORK
From co-sponsoring and voting for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and voting to increase the minimum wage to Affirmative Action for women and minority-owned small businesses, Obama and Biden have consistently taken positions to improve the status of working women.
Click here to view their individual voting records
WOMENS HEALTH AND BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
Senator McCain voted against funding for breast cancer research when major funding was approved for the first time in 1992.
Click here to view their individual voting records
Who you decide is best to shape this country and bring real change to our government is your decision, but what you must remember is that the President is going to serve all of America- not just you as an individual.
This election is important to the rights of women, but the issues affect all of society. In America, aren’t we all supposed to be guaranteed freedom over our minds and bodies, protection from discrimination and violence, rights to social security, work, health and education? Women’s Rights are Universal Human Rights, and no civilization can achieve peace, security or viable economic development while denying human rights to any group.
Sincerely,
Melissa