By Amy M. Voltero

I have previously admitted that I rarely watch the news and at all costs, AVOID politics, but my recent exposure to the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney, has enticed my interest on the logistics of this year’s presidential election.  So as a woman, I have taking an interests in certain issues, especially as the pertain to my body.  Especially since it seems the only people talking about woman’s issues are old creepy white men.

For example, everybody knows about Roe V. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that allowed woman to control their reproductive system.  Well I am a huge supporter!  I believe it is the woman’s right to choose, no matter what the circumstances. Oddly, so was Mitt Romney in 1994.

Here is a passage from the 1994 senatorial debate against Senator Edward Kennedy:

Gov. Romney: “One of the great things about our nation, Sally, is that we’re each entitled to have strong personal beliefs, and we encourage other people to do the same. But as a nation, we recognize the right of all people to believe as they want, and not to impose our beliefs on other people. I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country. I have since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US Senate candidate. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years, that we should sustain and support it, and I sustain and support that law, and the right of a woman to make that choice. And my personal beliefs, like the personal beliefs of other people, should not be brought into a political campaign. Too much has been written about religion in this race. I’m proud of my religious heritage. I’m proud of the values it has taught me, but if you want to know my position on issues, ask me, and I’ll tell you. I think the low point of this race was when my opponent and their family decided to make religion an issue in this campaign – brought it out, attacked me for it. I think that’s a mistake, I think the time has passed for that. John Kennedy was the one who fought that battle, but that battle lives for all of us of all faiths.”

Blah, Blah, Blah… I get it, people’s views change over time. When asked the question previously, “Where do you see yourself in five years…?” I can tell you, I didn’t have a daughter, 3 part time jobs, a car, my own place to live. I most likely would have been dead, had a kept on the path I was going. My concern is the marketing tactic behind Mitt Romney’s views. Is Obama pro-choice? Did he wake up in 2008 and say, “Well, Obama has the pro-choice vote, let me recruit the pro-lifers?”

I believe that the issue of abortion is black or white. You either support it, or you don’t.

Another issue that raises my blood pressure is the subject of Massachusetts Transitional Assistance.  There are countless amounts of welfare recipients in this state. I would like to believe that most of these people use the states benefits, for what they are designed for, but I know that’s not the case. There have been numerous stories in the media about people selling food stamps for half price to small business owners, buying cigarettes, booze and lottery, with their cash benefits, etc. A task force was developed in order to monitor the abuse of statewide benefits.  Obama supports welfare, the technical aspects, I am not sure of, due to my new found love for the nitty gritty of politics.  Romney is against state aid. (theoretically) He wants to create more jobs (does that mean Obama doesn’t?) for Americans.

So I guess I agree with Romney about the creating jobs thing, however, this is a man, who wants to outlaw abortion, the pill, and all contraceptives, besides condoms. I believe he still wants abortion in cases of incest and rape only, but I may be mistaken.

And even if I am not, I am sure Mitt will eventually switch over to agree with me at some time in the future.

But wait, I have a great idea!! Let’s outlaw all contraceptives, end state assistance, have an over populated country, filled with poverty stricken families, begging to elect someone to office, that will assist families in need.

Yes, there are many cases when I have been food shopping and the woman at the check-out in front of me, has a Louis Vuitton purse, and an iPhone and nails and hair that are fresh out of the salon, pulls out her blue EBT card, and proceeds to pay for her groceries.  Who am I to judge?

I am one of those recipients, on partial assistance from the state. I do not fit the stereotype, or someone LIVING off the state. I have three part time jobs.  I wasn’t receiving child support for my nineteen month old daughter, until this past month. What most of you don’t know is the maximum amount a mother and one dependent child is to receive from the state is, $491.00. By being on “welfare” and working part time, I am only allowed to make that much money per month.  My rent is always 30% of my income.  Now, let’s add the rest; cell phone, diapers, wipes, car insurance, toiletries, clothes, gas, Sippy cups, etc.….My bills exceed what I make. Therefore, I commend state aid programs like this.  Since my most recent job, I am transitioning off state assistance, now making twice as much as I would by staying on aid.  So, a little secret to all of you who post pins that are slogans regarding having to pay taxes, and welfare recipients, do not… I pay taxes, and get state aid, so I guess, its fair game, huh?

A message to my dear friend, Mitt Romney, make up your mind, stop trying to gain prospects on untactful marketing strategies, and for Pete’s sake, stop embarrassing yourself!!