'I traipsed up to the podium, head held high, stomach filled with butterflies. It was 2051 when I ran for president, and it was the speech that would forever alter my life. I cleared my throat, looked nervously toward the cameraman, and waited for the signal that I was live in every home in the country.
When the red light turned to green, I waited a moment, and then addressed the vast audience, both before me, and at home.
"All my life, I was raised a Christian. My father was one of nine children, and my mother's father was one of twenty- something. I went to a Catholic school, went to Mass every Sunday, (unless my father had to work, because my mother refused to take two kids by herself to Mass and back) even read the Bible halfway through. I went to Bible school, had Christian friends, and wrote songs about God.
But, I was also raised a person. I had feelings and dreams, and understood that others did as well. I had my opinion, and so did others. But, I believe I was in seventh grade when I really got involved in politics. I realized that year that America needed to change for the better. When I was in the back row in the smallest class (18 kids) of that little Catholic school, I saw things. People saying that gays shouldn't have rights, that abortion should be outlawed, I was confused and scared. I won't lie to you, the voters, the citizens, and say that prejudice doesn't happen in the Catholic faith, because it does, a lot. They tell us that the church celebrates diversity, But does it really? I'm neither trying to injure the Church from a religious nor a political standpoint. But I'm also not going to lie to you on national television.
I don't understand how, for forty years now, people are still going on about the same stuff they argued about when I was in middle school. I also don't understand how so many people cannot fathom separation of church and state. I understand that Catholics don't want to pay taxes on abortion clinics. That is their right to freedom of religion. However, I don't understand how the same people want to close abortion clinics because it is against what they, as a group, believe. That isn't right, and it is exactly why we need separation of church and state.
I stand here today in front of you to re-introduce an issue that has been going on for years. We, as Americans, have absolutely no respect for each other. If you don't like gay marriage, don't get one. If you don't like abortion, don't get one. But don't force your beliefs down others' throats. Thank you for listening."
As I finish my story, I beam down at my grandchildren, their bright blue eyes wide, eager for the last statement.
The next November, I was elected into office as the first woman president of the United States of America.'
