If you are eligible to vote, go for it. The closeness in the polls means one vote could make a difference in the end. And the vote that makes the difference could be yours. With 18 electoral votes and a history of determining presidential elections, Ohio is a crucial swing state this November. All the latest polls show the presidential race to be closer than it has been all year. Every vote is critical, so take full advantage of the opportunity if you can vote.
Barack Obama has years of professional experience in government. Obama has served four years as President, four years as a United States senator and seven as an Illinois senator. Obama is typically a strong debater, especially seen in the third debate this year.
Depriving any Americans of their rights is unacceptable. Obama is openly supportive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality and stated on his campaign website: “I’ve always believed that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally.” Currently, the government deprives LGBT couples of many of the rights given to heterosexual couples. LGBT couples have limited adoption rights, cannot file taxes jointly or be ensured of hospital visitation rights. Obama signed the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal act of 2010, which eliminated the ban on openly LGBT members of the military, and he ordered the justice department to stop supporting the Defense of Marriage Act in court challenges.
Some who are in favor of the Republican Party would say that Obama has not accomplished anything in his four years in office, but in addition to the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal act, he has created the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, colloquially known as Obamacare. This act prohibits insurance providers from discriminating based on gender, race or a preexisting condition. Additionally, it allows students to use their parents’ insurance plans until age 26. It also requires hospitals to allow visitation by same-sex partners.
It is essential that everyone has equal access to higher education. Now, financial burdens and the rising cost of college have made education unaffordable for many. Many students graduate from college with significant debt, which affects them financially for years. Obama believes government should directly provide financial aid to college students.
President Obama stands for high school students on all issues. Obama has a plan for progression, a plan for the future. Gov. Romney does not exhibit the same forward thinking that Obama does. Additionally, Romney’s stances on social issues such as gay marriage or reproductive rights are oppressive and outdated. We want a president who believes that all Americans are equal, regardless of sexual orientation. We want a president who believes that all Americans should have the opportunity for higher education, regardless of their financial standings. Above all, we want a president who cares about the future; not just his future, but the future of all people across the country. Barack Obama is that president, and that is why we endorse him for President of the United States of America.
A version of this article appeared in print on 31 October 2012, on page 4 of The Shakerite.
