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September 13, 2004
Legend's View:
The presidency - Choosing future from the past
In less than two months, we will be taking part in an election that some refer to as the most important in recent history. Recently, we have seen the candidates utilize numerous strategies and methods to persuade us that they are the right person to lead this country for the next four years.
They have taken the high road, they have taken the low road.They have taken the compassionate approach, and they have taken the tough guy approach (sometimes simultaneously). In the process, they have presented us with a plethora of questions and issues for our impressionable voting minds to ponder. Among them:
Did John Kerry lie about his Vietnam service record? If so, then how much?
Did Kerry do a disservice to his country by coming home and protesting the war?
Did President Bush really join the Texas National Guard to avoid being sent to Vietnam?
If so, then did he do a disservice to his country by not going to war? And what about his service record?
Is Kerry really as indecisive as he has been made out to be?
Even though President Bush is confident, is he smart? (Or does he at least make smart decisions?)
These questions have prompted a variety of responses, opinions and views. However, there is one answer to all of theses questions. There is one response that should end all of the debating, arguing, and high and low road taking.
And that answer is: Who cares?
Even though we want a president with good character and leadership skills, his military past and character quirks will not have any impact on this country over the next four years. As a result, any informed voter will not choose a president based on these facts.
The determining factor for choosing our next president should be based on our satisfaction level with the way this country has been run for the past four years. Are we happy with the way things have transpired during Bush's term in office? Are we pleased with the way Bush responded to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11th and how he aggressively pursued Osama bin-Laden and dismantled the Taliban?
Or do we look at the fact that bin-Laden has not been captured and al-Qaeda is still a threat to not only the U.S., but to the whole world. More importantly, how do we feel about Bush's handling of domestic issues?
When we look at the economy, do we see the growth that has taken place within the past year? Do we also look at the fact that there are a record number of people who own their own homes? Or do we pay attention to the reports that show that the number of people who live in poverty continues to increase?
When we think of education, do we see the No Child Left Behind act as a bold move that demands accountability for the amount of Federal spending going to public education? Or do we think the move punishes our students and promotes privatization of our education system?
There are also plenty of other important issues to be concerned with, including healthcare, abortion rights, gay marriage, and of course, the war in Iraq. War history and likeability do not seem to have equal value when compared regarding these topics.
Overall, if you are satisfied with the past four years, then your choice is obvious. If you are not satisfied,then your choice is also obvious. If you are not sure, then you still have about six more weeks to think about it.
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