I’m voting for Al Gore.
Now, I don’t like everything about Mr. Gore’s politics, but he’s the best candidate in a field of capable men and women. My roots are in the old Republican tradition, the mantle of Lincoln. In basic terms, a socially progressive philosophy mixed with fiscal conservatism. Combine that with a zest for radical centrist policy, and you have my platform.
Since John McCain is no longer running, and I’m not totally comfortable with Ralph Nader, I’m choosing Gore. I can’t vote for Nader because he’s a one-issue candidate. A great issue, mind you, but his record is severely lacking on the broad spectrum of factors affecting Americans today. And Texas Gov. George W. Bush — not only is he dumb, he’s dangerous. Our next president will likely have the responsibility of appointing between one and four justices to the Supreme Court. Both Bush and Gore have denied using a litmus test to filter candidates, but their true beliefs are clear.
Gore is pro-choice, and his election would keep a woman’s right to choose safe. It’s funny how most Republicans want government out of their lives but inside other people’s bedrooms and bodies. Which brings us to issue number two, civil rights.
Gore has said he would seek to remove the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy from the armed forces, permitting gays and lesbians to serve openly. This is not only the morally correct choice, but a logical one as well. People against gays in the military use the argument that it would damage credibility and morale. They said the same thing about women and minorities serving, and they were wrong.
Gore would also end racial profiling, a cancer in our law-enforcement system. The Clinton-Gore administration has the best record of any presidency in appointing minorities to positions of power.
Democrats once suffered a stigma of being fiscally irresponsible and deservedly so. For the most part, they have improved. True, Gore’s plan would spend more on social programs, but overall, it’s actually more responsible and conservative than the plan of Gov. Bush.
Gore takes heat from die-hard environmentalists for not being perfect. But make no mistake: He has done more to promote clean air, water and sustainable communities than any other major politician.
Finally, Gore has experience in leadership that far exceeds his competition. No one leader can change the system alone, but a Gore administration will move us in a better direction.
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