Reply #35: Look, here's my problem...

[sfecap]

With all due respect.

I believe that Sen. Kerry had an opportunity to cast his vote against an invasion of Iraq, and he did not do so because of political reasons. Fine. That was his choice. He knew that his vote would be scrutinized when he ran for the nomination. He chose to go with the right wing and the pro war faction who seemed to be running the media show at the time. I don't believe that he truly thought that bush would do the right thing. He had to have known that bush was a lying asshole, and he would attack Iraq in any event. Kerry merely did the politically expedient thing. I may be totally wrong, but that's how this voter sees it.

The Patriot Act is another matter entirely. For a man who has a stellar record on Civil Rights, to vote in favor of the most egregious assault on our rights as citizens in the history of our country is simply unforgivable to me. There is NO excuse that can satisfy me on this. Once again, I believe that he simply went with the most politically appealing option, which I find reprehensible. The Patriot Act was not the subject of much debate, and we are now reaping what the politicians have sown. Byrd should have been listened to.

John Kerry has done many, many good things in his career. I am sure he is a fine man. However, I cannot resolve these issues enough to support him.

I completely respect that you do support him, but he just isn't the guy for me.