Please don't let the negativity become an excuse to surrender.  There are vast differences between the two candidates, the two philosophies and where these two philosophies will take us.  The global economic  situation is not likely to get better immediately, nor are the financial conditions of many of us Americans—that is, Americans who are not in the top 2% or so of the economy.  Conditions are improving VERY slowly, but they are moving forward.  The Republican ticket (noticeably light on details) would generally stick to the usual formula of lowering taxes (on the wealthy) and cutting spending even further.  The middle class and the poor will be the ones to bear the burden if they're elected.

The Romney ticket and the Republican platform clearly show that—while they abhor "government"— they're fine with  criminalizing pregnancy terminations, even in cases of rape or incest.   One of a number of anti-choice bills Paul Ryan voted for was the "personhood act which would outlaw, not only abortion, but stem cell research and birth control!   Romney has said one of the first thing he'll do is eliminate Planned Parenthood, the source of healthcare for thousands of women who could not afford care otherwise; by the way, only a small fraction of their services are related to abortion.  Primary services are cancer screenings and counseling.   It's hard for me to see how any self-respecting woman could vote  Romney-Ryan.  (Sisters, we're all "pro life", and those of us in the pro choice category simply don't want government interfering with our bodies.)

There are many more reasons to vote:  "Let Detroit go bankrup," Mr. Romney said before President Obama made the decision to lend money to the dying  auto industry.  The loans have been paid back at high interest (according to a number of reliable sources, including the CEO of Chrysler in a "60 Minutes" interview.)  I like knowing the President exercised good judgment in saving an industry which is the backbone of America; now GM is #1 in the world!

I recall President Bush's campaign for a second term when the key "selling point" was that he had "kept America safe."  And that's a good thing.  Let's not overlook the fact that under President Obama, the master planner of the 9/11 attacks and a number of other key terrorist leaders have been eliminated—no small achievement.  

As promised in his last campaign, the President did get a health care coverage passed for all Americans.  This accomplishment remains controversial because of negative publicity from the opposition and because the benefits haven't been well explained.  History tells us that Social Security and Medicare were strongly opposed until people began to reap the benefits.  I believe the same will hold true for the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. "Obamacare."

The President also promised to end the war in Iraq and that has happened.

Our President knows how to interact with others with grace, diplomacy and strength, when needed.
Mr. Romney managed to anger our greatest ally when he said he wasn't sure the Brits were ready for handling the Olympics.  Mr. Romney, although I'm sure a fine husband and father and maker of money for his companies, is clumsy with personal interaction.  It concerns me to think of turning him loose on the world stage.

Last, and most important to me:  I care about cleaner  air and water, safe food, green energy and leaders who understand that global climate change is fact, not fantasy—leaders who will do everything possible to restore our planet to health.  You know Democrats are the ones who will do the most toward that end.  And I must say that our government isn't doing enough to suit me on environmental issues; however,  if some of the obstructionists in Congress are replaced by more progressive thinkers in  November, we're likely to see more action toward healing the earth and hopefully modifying current weather extremes.

I want my granddaughter to have the best possible world to call home.  A vote for President Obama is one way I can help make that happen.