In a few weeks we will decide who will lead our nation for the next four years. And for the first time in eight years I can start to respect the office of the President again. Both senators McCain and Obama have earned the respect of the nation by fighting battles both here and abroad, and it will be a tight race come November.
I will probably vote for Barack Obama but I can respect anyone who would vote for John McCain. He is a war hero, a man whose service to his country is beyond reproach, not only having been a “guest” at the Hanoi Hilton, but who also served on the U.S.S. Forrestal. This ship caught fire in the 1967 and killed 134 crewmen and injured 161 more. This fire was a terrible tragedy, and later served as a training tool to those of us who joined the Navy. He has earned the right to lead our nation.
And so has Barack Obama. Sen. Obama has battled his entire life as well, fighting racism from both sides of the aisle, having come from a mixed-racial marriage. He is an educated man, a terrific orator and has great ideas about what this country can become.
I agree with John McCain on certain issues. We should have the best military money can buy, and they should get the best equipment available. We should pay them a decent wage as well, so members of our armed forces shouldn’t be on welfare. These young men and women are fighting for our freedom. And they should be properly compensated for it.
However I can’t agree with the Republicans on other issues. McCain and Sarah Palins’ ideas on a woman’s right to choose are hypocritical. Sarah Palin said she made a “choice” to have her baby. Shouldn’t every woman have the same choice?
When are we going to bring our troops home? Can we tighten up the NRA a little so an AK-47 is as hard to get as a green card? And when can we start telling OPEC to stick their gas prices where the sun never shines?
I am hopeful that the new administration, whoever wins, will bring about the change Americans have deserved and needed for the last eight years. I am excited that my next president, either McCain or Obama will give us hope for our future.
But I am most excited about the fact that our next president will be intelligent, one who seeks change, and most importantly is “Smarter Than a Fifth Grader.”
Todd Nuttman is a resident of Kent and a columnist for the Kent Reporter. Send your responses for Nuttman to: laura.pierce@reporternewspapers.com.
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