Jeffrey V. Quigg, 30, consultant, Maryland Heights, Mo.
I'm a conservative and voted for Bush in 2000 and 2004. I understood from the beginning how many of Obama's proposed policies would likely increase costs and taxes for me and my family, but I was so moved by Obama's story and his ability to inspire people that I volunteered for Obama's campaign anyway.
The Democratic party's beliefs contradict my own in very personal ways, but I happily supported Barack and did my best to share my support with others. This country needs a leader who can motivate people to take care of themselves, take care of their neighbors and to accept accountability. Barack is that leader.
If the American people put forth a fraction of the effort invested into both campaigns over the last two years, change will come to this country, change for the better. And if voter turnout was any indication of America's interest, it's easy to see we're headed in the right direction.
Barack Obama was the right decision for our country and I was proud to vote for him, proud to watch him accept victory, and proud to know I can share the experience with my grandkids someday.
JQ signed up for CathInfo so he could post:
I expected and even hoped my comments would stimulate some healthy debate and discussion. I've received quite a bit of feedback all of which as been constructive up to this point.
I don't appreciate your dismissive "sheep" comment or how my story is somehow disturbing. My comments are clear and my time and vote were spent and cast for the better leader, not necessarily for the better policies. Ironically, I've been called a sheep or have been labeled "brainwashed" on many occasions, but for my faith rather than my political choices.
I agree times are frightening and evil certainly has an incredible impact on our modern world. So, I will continue to pray to our Lord and ask for His will for our new president and for more of the inspiration to help others which I see on so many young faces.
I will continue to share my faith and support with my family so my children will know and will be empowered to make the right decisions for themselves. I have found most people are more receptive to this approach versus being told what they must do by authorities, government or otherwise.
And interestingly enough, I've found more and more people, just recently, who are open-minded. This by itself is worth my vote for Obama. Perhaps your time would be better spent finding and reaching out to some of these people rather than labeling me.