Respecting the Republican Vote

I just can't...so don't ask me to.

I know that might sound a bit harsh, but what respect has the Republican party shown me???
Or women, minorities, the middle class...the list goes on, really. But I will only speak from personal experience on this one.

During the last election we were surprised to find that some of our dearest friends were not only Republican, but quite dedicated to the party. It would be a lie to say that this did not drive somewhat of a wedge between us. Sure, we're still friends, but from a distance now. It is difficult for us to continue sharing "family" meals and drinks and laughs with well-to-do people who put tax breaks before our struggle to climb from second-class citizenship in this country. It's just not the sort of thing we can just "put aside", like a difference of opinion on school or road taxes. Equality is an issue that hits to the very core of one's being.

This time around, the same issues are still at stake for my partner and I (and the LGBT community). But there's also the urgency of the current economy, health care and national security at stake. Some of these are issues behind which the Reps have hidden in the past (or at least used in deceitful ways to their advantage). And most importantly, issues that affect most Americans regardless of color or sexual identity.

Though difficult, I tried to comprehend people voting Republican in the past. But my desire to try to make sense of that has expired. I can respect someone's right to vote any way they choose, I no longer feel that I have to respect the logic (or lack thereof) behind that vote.

I'm hopeful that the time has come for us to reclaim our country and set it on a positive course.
Please VOTE tomorrow.