Election 2008

I hope that somehow, someway, 2008 will be a change where the voters take the time to decide things on the merits, the facts, rather than blindly accepting what others, named and unnamed, declare.

As a citizen and voter, I have been very disappointed in how people have been swayed but misrepresentations and untruths; particularly the "Swift Boat" campaign of 2004. If voters want to reject Kerry as president because they do not like his credentials/qualifications, fine, but how is it that he can be disparaged by unknown people for unsubstantiated assertions? How is it that the voters can disparage someone who enlisted and served in Vietnam yet embraced someone who never faced enemy fire and who had a large unexplained service time in the National Guard? American can do better.

Ms. Palin has now attacked Barack Obama for his work as a community activist. Since when have we Americans condoned the attack of community service? That's pathetic. Public service has always been held up as an ideal, a symbol of noble service to our country. I only hope that the Obama campaign responds forcefully.

Most importantly, I hope the Obama campaign exposes those who propound misrepresentations and force them to admit their falsehoods.

We have the opportunity to elect a president who will bring new ideas and new energy to the leadership of our country. I hope we take it.