Andrew V. Kayes

I am a fierce political independent; I stand fairly centrist on most things and I have voted for both major parties as well as some independents in various past elections.

I would urge my fellow alums and all Blue Devil voters to think hard when voting for President next Tuesday. I have examined both major party candidates. Neither is perfect. However, I will be casting my vote for Sen. John McCain.

Why? I am Catholic. My understanding is that Sen. Barack Obama opposes the state's versions of the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, as he fears it calls into question Roe v. Wade. For those unfamiliar with the BAIPA, it states all live-born babies are guaranteed the same constitutional right to equal protection, whether or not they were wanted.

I am unapologetically pro-life. Although I readily admit there are many gray areas in the pro-life, pro-choice debate, I am so fundamentally opposed and dumbfounded by anyone who would be against the BAIPA that I cannot, and will not in good conscious, vote for such a person.

All people have to make choices and live with the consequences of their decisions. My guess is that Obama will eventually have to answer to a higher power on this issue. I urge all of my fellow Blue Devils-and all spiritual people-to consider this issue when casting their ballot. Again, we all have to make choices and live with the consequences. Make sure you are able to look yourself in the mirror and live with the consequences of your selection.

Andrew V. Kayes

Pratt '95

School of Medicine '00