I've been busy as all get out the past few weeks, what with a new job, and moving and all, but I keep browsing the threads RE. voting, etc. This one caught my eye, and I actually have a few spare minutes so I thought I'd jump in.

Carole made a very good point about it may be one issue that sways a vote. I've actually already voted (via mail) and I put in my vote for Kerry. There were several things that swayed me - my rights as a lesbian, tax-paying American citizen being the most important. But Bush's views on women and women's rights were another.

On Oct. 13th, Bush refused to join 85 other countries in signing a statement that endorsed a 10 year old UN plan to ensure every woman's right to education, health care and choice about having children. The plan was to ensure "an action plan to ensure universal access to reproductive health information and services; uphold fundamental human rights, including sexual and reproductive; alleviate poverty; secure gender equality; and protect the environment". Why did he refuse to sign? Because the statement included a reference to "sexual rights". The US Deputy Asst. Secretary of State Kelly Ryan said, "The United States is unable... to endorse the world leaders' statement because it includes the concept on 'sexual rights', a term that has no agreed definition in the international community." This administration has raised objections on numerous occasions to the phrase "sexual rights", speaking out against abortion, Gay rights, and what they see as the promotion of promiscuity by giving condoms to young people to prevent AIDS.

To me, the stem cell issue is tied very closely to the right to choose. And it is my opinion that politics should not be ruled by opinions, but by what is right. And what is right is NOT taking away people's rights, whether it's the right to choose to end a pregnancy (as long as it is not used frivilously), the right to love whoever you want and to marry them if you want to. In this country, we all pay the same taxes, we all have to abide by the same laws, so why shouldn't each and every one of us be given ALL the same rights?

I know this got a wee bit off topic, but it's kinda the same idea.