Election 2016: Where I Stand

I don't discuss politics often on the blog. I like to keep the content light and fun, and more often than not, any discussion of politics ultimately becomes anything but light and fun. But since I've been getting emails and Snapchats from readers asking where I stand this election year, I thought it was important to share with readers who are asking and are curious where I stand.

I'm a registered Republican. I have been ever since I registered to vote when I was 18 (that was 30 years ago, BTW), but this election year #ImWithHer.

When the topic of politics has come up over the past few months, I have found myself explaining why I have swayed to the left this election year. Many of my fellow Republicans have found it shocking. The best short answer I can give is that I am evolving. I'm in a different place in my life today than I was thirty years ago, and my political beliefs have changed to reflect that.

The reasons I am supporting Hillary Clinton this year are pretty simple and make complete sense for me. The operative words here are "For me". Politics are very personal. I am voting for the candidate who can do the most for me. And frankly, I happen to think she can do the most for our country as well.

Here's why #ImWithHer:

1) Hillary Clinton supports stem cell research. As the parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, I support anything that could ultimately save my child's life or even possibly make it slightly easier. Stem cell research could, one day, be responsible for finding the ultimate cure for type 1 diabetes.

2) I support the rights of the LGBT community. I have friends and family who are part of this community, and why shouldn't they enjoy the same rights and benefits that heterosexuals have? The government has no place in governing who can marry whom and what rights anyone in the LGBT community has.

3) I am pro-choice. It's my choice if I decide to continue a pregnancy or terminate it. It's my decision to make. Period.

4) I want a President who is articulate, poised, and doesn't make rash judgements or decisions. As a career politician, Hillary Clinton has the experience necessary to lead this country in good times and in bad.

5) Would I love to see history in the making in my lifetime? Of course. Would I love to see a woman become the next Leader of the Free World? Damn right. Do I want my daughters to see that a woman can be the leader of the most powerful nation on the planet? Absolutely. It's time to break the glass ceiling.

I could list ten other reasons why I support Hillary Clinton and 10 more why I don't support Donald Trump. When I mailed my absentee ballot several weeks ago, I never hesitated to fill in the circle next to Hillary Clinton's name. For the first time in thirty years, I voted outside of my registered party during a presidential election. That, my friends, says it all.

{This is not an open discussion. Comments have been disabled on this post. Not because I don't want to entertain any opposing opinions, but because this post is about where I stand and why. If you'd like to send me an email, please do so at info@piecesofamom.com.}