This morning, I voted for John Kerry for President of the United States.
I voted Kerry for my aunt, who is called unnatural and immoral for her 10+ year relationship with her partner, and whose wedding I hope to someday celebrate.
I voted Kerry for my husband, who has been laid off, unemployed, and underemployed over the past two years, and who is now changing careers at 25 years old because the tech sector just isn't recovering.
More after the jump...
I voted Kerry for myself and every woman in my life, so that difficult and personal medical choices will always be decided by her, her doctor and her god.
I voted Kerry for myself, my husband, and all of the others who walked in the March for Women's Lives (1.1 million strong) in Washington, DC in April, that we may be able to express ourselves freely without being called "terrorists" (per Karen Hughes).
I voted Kerry for my 16-year-old sister, who will face skyrocketing college tuition costs in 18 short months.
I voted Kerry for my 84-year-old grandmother, whose character has been stolen by Alzheimer's disease and for whom there could be hope with stem cell research.
I voted Kerry for my family member departing for Iraq this month, that his National Guard tour won't go on forever and that he will come home safely after serving his country.
I voted Kerry for my parents, that when they retire they'll be able to live out their dreams rather than spend their savings on outrageous health care costs or to supplement reduced Social Security payments.
I voted Kerry for my dyslexic brother, that other students like him get the additional attention they need, rather than being blamed for an entire school's "failure" on a single test.
I voted Kerry for all my Republican friends, so that differences of opinion will always be respected in the United States.
I voted Kerry for my future children and grandchildren, that they may have clear air and water, and be able to enjoy the outdoors as I have.
I voted Kerry for all those in the world whom I do not know, but who have been affected by the military actions of the United States.
I voted Kerry for those lost on September 11th, that we might take the steps necessary to honor their legacy by ensuring a tragedy such as that never happens again.
Today, I voted for the next president of the United States.