A Bush win would hurt
healthcare, public schools
There is one important issue that the candidates for President have not addressed, the makeup of the Supreme Court. If Bush wins, it will solidify the religious right-wing agenda. Another important issue which must be thoroughly examined is healthcare. Under Bush, a national healthcare bill will be impossible, while Kerry has expressed willingness to explore the issue.
All of the negatives about John Kerry are buried in what will happen to the Court if Bush is elected. We could have a court which could reverse Roe vs. Wade. Vital issues such as gun control, free speech rights, religious freedom, and barriers between church and public schools and government would be in danger. The rights of workers to organize and bargain would be lost. Minimum wage standards would be a distant memory. Bush has expressed his admiration for Justices Scalia and Thomas, and we can expect future justices of that ilk if Republicans make the appointments.
Bear in mind that all federal judges are presidential appointments for life. Giving George W. this power would make it more difficult for progressive legislation, state or federal, to survive. The overriding issue in the real world is the makeup of the Supreme Court. That is why I will vote for and support John Kerry.
Mike Kessler
Hayward, Calif.
America can’t be a leader
if no one will follow
So this election doesn’t come down to healthcare, nor to jobs, nor to deficit spending. This election comes down to Iraq. Millions of us were right when we opposed the war before our voices were ignored.
It is a hollow victory. Iraq was not the “central front on terror” until the president made it so. By removing a tyrant who had no WMDs and posed no threat, and who had no ties to those who do, the world was made less safe. By starting a war on flimsy pretenses, our credibility has been enormously damaged. A nation without credibility cannot lead, for no one will follow. International stability requires trust between nations. When trust in American leadership erodes, tyrants and terrorists are more likely to flourish.
Winning the “war on terror” requires first winning the war of ideas. Only John Kerry can do this and restore our credibility amongst nations.
Todd Huffman, M.D.
Eugene