Coming Out

Yes, I'm coming out... as someone who, if she votes for Barack Obama will do so holding her nose. I have been having trouble with the idea for ages. Thus far, the Obama-lovefest isn't persuasive. It's very simple for me. And, no, it's not a matter of being a "one issue voter." It's not the "issue" of same-sex marriage; if there's an "issue," it's the "issue" of second class citizenship.

Like many of you, I've invested a lot of money and time in coming to Canada. And, while my motivation wasn't just family recognition, that was the catalyst and the primary motivator. Having left the country of my birth because I was a second class citizen, I am very uncomfortable with the idea of voting for someone who shares that view. And, I'm tired of voting for the lesser of the evils. Don't get me wrong. I loathe John McCain. Aside from his politics, the main insulted me to my face. But, you see, I'm just having trouble with the alternative...

"Although Barack Obama has said that he supports civil unions, he is against gay marriage. In an interview with the Chicago Daily Tribune, Obama said, "I'm a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."

This is bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. Columbia? Harvard Law? C'mon, surely he understands the difference between civil law and religious tradition.

I understand all of the arguments for why it's important that Obama end up in the White House. I really do. I'm just, personally - in terms of integrity, self-esteem, whatever - having trouble helping to put him there.