We must choose carefully in selecting the next president
ROSE MARY JONES

Folks, we really have an important task ahead of us choosing a new president who will be worthy of running our country. Don't make a mistake, this is going to be a very important vote, and we all should do a lot of research on who these candidates really are and what they plan to do once they get into office. Politics can be misleading and words can dress up anything or anyone.

The truth of the matter is that the old policy of just voting, for a Democrat or a Republican because you are one, or it's time for a woman or a black president, is over. We must analyze these candidates carefully. It's not enough to be a smart, smooth-talking person with a good personality who looks good. We must look deeper than that. We must make sure he is a Christian who is level-headed and is seasoned in politics at home and internationally. The key here is to vote for a person with integrity that does not "flip-flop" on issues and is interested in what is best for our country.

I am a proud American, but I must say I am disappointed in both parties, especially the democrats because they denounced the war and are not standing behind our soldiers. Whether we like it or not we are at war and our soldiers are fighting for a country that wants to have a democracy and live in freedom instead of under a dictatorship. The Democratic Party has disgraced our brave men and women in uniform by wanting to bring them home before they won the battle. That is disgraceful for all men and women who have died bravely and honorably and who are still fighting because they feel it is their patriotic duty.

We, the people, should stand tall and vote for a person who will unite our country and bring back the dignity to Washington as well as the two parties. We need to let our soldiers know that we are united and are behind them. Harry S. Truman said, "A person who is fundamentally honest doesn't need a code of ethics. The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount are all the ethical code anybody needs." Also General Dwight Eisenhower, the 34th president spoke these words at the Korean Conflict: "Our government makes no sense unless it is founded on a deeply felt religious faith."

Remember President Ronald Reagan . . . .he united our country and was a man of character and believed in God. Let us all pray for such a man in this election.