Replies

"I'd like to be able to understand why they sat it out. ... I just want to know how they justify themselves. "

I voted third party (for Goode), because I wanted my dissapproval of both candidates recorded.

I weighted the candidates and I didn't see enough difference to justify voting for one over the other.

Usually I vote social values over pocket book on the theory that if we are a morally upright nation God will bless us with wisdom in other areas. And if we are not, the best economic plan in the world won't help us.

There were many serious concerns I had about Romney.

Social Values

Romney's a non-Christian and the President is a role-model. That is mitigated a little by the fact that Obama's Christianity is questioned by his actions.
Romney has a history of saying supportive things of traditional marriage but then doing the opposite in office. He told the Boy Scouts to allow gay leaders. He appointed known homosexual activists to the judicial bench as Governor. Romney actually did more harm by personally instituting gay marriage in Mass to the nation than Obama has done as President on this issue. And the way the MSM sold Romney for 4 years convinced me that he is cut from the same cloth as Obama.
WND had an article pointing out that Romney says as little as possible about abortion and has been a "weathervane" on the issue, turning which ever way the wind blows.
Romney's own campaign manager talked about etch-a-sketching campaign positions. Consequently, Romney doesn't have credibility for anything he says. And we don't need another lying role-model.

Economic Issues

Free trade with low wage countries has decimated our industries, and neither candidate has a clue about this.
Romney came closest with his promise to label China a currency manipulator and possibly raise tariffs. However then he linked tariffs to whether or not China plays by the existing rules indicating he still doesn't get it. Worse, he then promised to open up more markets with more free trade agreements. Fine, if we are at full employment. Stupid when we are at 25% unemployment. Romney's trade plan is worse than Obama's complete lack of a plan in this area.
Romney's call for energy independence was great. Except he didn't offer many specifics. And this was mitigated by the fact that U.S. oil production has soared despite Obama. And Romney's call for a 2 year approval process for existing site nuclear reactors indicates he isn't serious about nuclear and is unlikely to sign approvals during his first term. Meanwhile Obama has actually signed about 3.
Obama wasn't lying when he said Romneycare was the same plan. Sure Romney will make it optional to the states. Except there will be huge federal purse strings that no state can afford to pass up, so it's semantics. Romney will probably try to restructure the tax penalty for not buying insurance into a tax credit for buying it. Math is the same, but one is more palatable, again it's semantics.

Other Issues

I want the rule of law observed with regard to natural born citizenship and eligibility. But the GOP is now part of this conspiracy, because they've had control of the House and failed to investigate it. Consequently this issue is off the table for this election.

Middle East: Romney seemed a stronger supporter of Israel, but I took that with a grain of salt. I don't think he views Israel the same way most Christians do. And his lack of credibility mitigates his strong stance on Israel. Plus he failed to distinguish what he would have done different with regard to Arab Spring.

Liberalism and future elections. If we are going to have a liberal president, let it be a democrat one. It'll be better for us in the future, than if a GOP labeled liberal gets into office.