Why am I voting Obama 2012?

I know my gay and lesbian friends who have been serving in the military for their entire careers are now happy they can do so openly, and that those who wish to serve are happy they can now do so, unlike myself in 1982 when I checked the "homosexual tendencies" box in a moment of honesty, having had a father who gave his life for our country in the US Air Force.

And as a person living with HIV who is also self-employed, I am grateful President Obama's healthcare reform is on track to allow me access to health insurance with my pre-existing condition.

And while I do not discount certain Republican economic ideals across the board, I will oppose any candidate that rejects a woman's right to choose, even when they are victims of rape and incest.

And as a gay person who is still single approaching age 50, I wish to live (and love) in a country that embraces and fosters families of all kinds including same-sex coupled families who wish to adopt unwanted children in great need of a home, and simply raise their own biological children in peace.

And I do not want a leader who believes my Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Pagan, Agnostic, Mormon, Hindu and otherwise non-religious friends are going to hell because they have a different (or no) Higher Power.

I for one have benefited from food stamps when I had no other way to eat, and celebrate that benefit. And I am grateful for the Ryan White federal funding that allowed me to see a dentist last week, and for the program that gives me HIV medications so I may continue to work, not to mention LIVE without AIDS and other illnesses.

For these and MANY MORE reasons I will vote for OBAMA 2012 with hopes I will live long enough to fall in love and get married (therefore accessing the 2000+ government rights afforded to married couples) with the blessings of the God(s), Goddess(es), Mother Nature or deity of my own choosing, even if my Mr. Right is Indian, Thai, Malay, Chinese, Mexican, Filipino, French, or a citizen of any other country in the world.

I am voting for a Democrat again because I do not just want a better job. I want a life, liberty, and the pursuit of happily-ever-after.

And also, I do not want or need a leader who insists my American brothers and sisters are superior to my HUMAN brothers and sisters across the planet. We are one humanity regardless of the flag we may wave.

I hope that answers your question.

With love,

Nicholas Snow