As we approach this election season, I’ve been reflecting profoundly on my children, particularly my daughters. One of them will soon be eligible to vote in the upcoming presidential election. I can’t help but ponder how our choices will shape their futures—not just in the present, but as they step into adulthood.
This election extends beyond the immediate context of today or even the next four years. With Congress failing to fulfill its Constitutional responsibility to appoint a new Supreme Court Justice, the next president will likely have the critical task of selecting a replacement for Antonin Scalia. Given that several current justices are nearing retirement age, the next leader may also nominate additional justices, which could have lasting implications for my daughters.
These judicial appointments will influence their lives, and I seek a Supreme Court that will empower them rather than restrict their options during pivotal decisions. Personally, while I hold conservative views regarding abortion, I don’t advocate for its prohibition. I’ve witnessed the distressing situations mothers face under restrictive abortion laws, often leading to unnecessary suffering. Studies show that criminalizing abortion does not reduce its incidence; it merely makes the procedure more perilous. If we genuinely wish to lower abortion rates, we must focus on making contraception widely accessible and affordable—a goal unlikely to be supported by a right-leaning Supreme Court.
Despite my personal beliefs, I recognize that a more progressive Supreme Court will likely yield more favorable outcomes for women and potentially lower abortion rates. A Trump presidency risks establishing a court that prioritizes ideology over pragmatic solutions, pushing us backward when we ought to be advancing.
Additionally, I consider my daughters when evaluating the candidates’ family leave policies. It perplexes me that Trump proposes only six weeks of paid leave for mothers, completely overlooking the needs of fathers and adoptive parents and downplaying the importance of shared responsibilities in the postpartum period. This policy inadvertently diminishes women’s value in the workplace. If an employer is weighing a male candidate against a female one, who has the upper hand? The woman who will take six weeks off for each child or the man who will likely take minimal time off due to a lack of paid leave?
In this 21st century, where women are increasingly competitive in the workforce and men are more engaged in parenting, limiting paid leave to mothers feels like a regressive step. I want my daughters to benefit from a more equitable approach, such as Hillary’s proposal for 12 weeks of paid leave for both mothers and fathers, which would set a positive precedent as they start their own families. It’s high time we move out of the bottom tier among developed nations regarding family leave policies and demonstrate our commitment to genuine family values.
Finally, I reflect on the person my daughters will see in the nation’s highest office. Do I want them to look up to a woman with decades of public service experience, who has navigated controversy with composure and possesses a clear vision for the country? Or should they admire a billionaire businessman with no governing experience, known for insults and falsehoods, whose policies often revolve around divisive rhetoric?
Before dismissing this viewpoint with accusations against Hillary, I encourage readers to engage with well-researched resources that may offer a more balanced perspective.
Ultimately, for my daughters’ futures, the choice is evident. If we aim to progress toward gender equality and women’s rights, we cannot afford a Trump presidency.
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In summary, as we approach this pivotal election, it’s essential to consider not only the immediate consequences of our votes but also the long-term impact on future generations, particularly our daughters.
Keyphrase: Consider Our Daughters When You Vote
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