In the last election, I cast my vote forthe Republican ticket, buying into President George W. Bush’sclaims that he would be a “compassionate conservative.”Four years and two wars later, the situation is vastly different.Our economy is faltering, civil liberties have dwindled. WhatPresident Bush did to us as a country deserves the same pink slipgiven to Americans whose jobs have been outsourced.

    I plan to vote across party lines thisNov. 2; President John Kerry definitely has a nice ring to it.Kerry has over two decades of service in public office, notincluding his service in Vietnam.
As a recipient of a bronze heart and three purple hearts, Kerry hasa proven record of service to his country. Instead of skirting theresponsibility, he did his duty, serving as a navy officer from1966 to 1970. After three years as a prosecutor in MiddlesexCounty, Kerry found a higher calling as Lt. Governor ofMassachusetts. Kerry went on to become senator in 1985 and in thattwenty year span has served on the Senate foreign relationscommittee. These is a man whose experience and knowledge of foreignpolicy will help rebuild America’s reputation in theworld’s eye. Kerry has worked for veterans rights, heading upthe committee on POW/MIA affairs. Because of his record as anadvocate for veterans, Kerry can be counted on to useAmerica’s troops judiciously and treat them justly.A vote forKerry is a vote for better environmental stewardship. Kerry plansto reverse recent rollbacks to the Clean Air Act. According to theKerry Web site, 45 percent of our nations waterways do not meet thestandards of the Clean Water Act, and Kerry plans to clean themup.

    This writer backed President Bush whenhe began his crusade against terror, justifying the war inAfghanistan as an empire striking back at Al Quaeda. President Bushsold the war in Iraq to the American public as necessary, butfailed to develop a clear exit strategy.Getting the troops out isan appropriate manner should be the first priority of the newpresident. This is something Senator Kerry is more likely to bewilling to do. In the Sept. 30 debate Kerry’s exit strategywas made very clear. “I will make a flat statement,”Kerry said. “The United States has no long-term designs onstaying in Iraq. Our goal … would be to get all of the troops outof there with the minimal amount you need for training andlogistics … to sustain the peace.”

    The dotcom boom and blistering hoteconomy was a welcome relief after the sluggish early 1990s. But ittook only the past four years to increase our deficit to $7.4trillion. Both candidates plan to give Americans tax cuts, butlooking at the figures, Kerry’s plan better benefits thecommon people. Implementing tax cut roll backs from the rich butmaintaining the cuts from middle and low-income families.Kerry’s plan will raise the rates on individuals making morethat $200,000 a year. In a 10-year-period, his plan would bring inapproximately $560 billion. This plan would lessen the burden ofdebt placed on Americans’ shoulders over the past fewyears.
As president, Kerry will work to offer a $4,000 tax credit tocollege students and help individual states to keep the cost ofcollege tuition from increasing. A National Education Trust Fundwill provide funding to schools to improve the No Child Left Behindprogram. The fund will reward schools that improve theirstandards.

    Imposing incentives for companies tokeep jobs in the US and raise the minimum wage to seven dollarswill increase the standard of living for every American.Kerry’s intention to invest in advanced technology and trainAmerican workers to build them are the cornerstones of his plan. Ina June 24 speech in San Jose, Kerry emphasized the need foremerging technology.
“At the dawn of the 21st century, the possibilities arelimitless. But they won’t just happen,” Kerry said. “Wehave to invest more in our people and their ideas.” With thehelp of private sector funding, Kerry proposed $5 billion to fund a10-year plan to develop hydrogen as a viable fuel source, reducingour dependence on petroleum.

    The Kerry-Edwards plan will give everyAmerican access to the range of high-quality, affordable plansavailable to members of Congress and extend coverage to 95 percentof Americans, including every American child. Their plan will alsofight to erase the health disparities that persist along racial andeconomic lines, ensure that people with HIV and AIDS have the carethey need, end discrimination against Americans with disabilitiesand mental illnesses, and ensure equal treatment for mental illnessin our health system. Kerry will create a higher standard of livingin America. His service and experience make him a great candidateand the right choice.

Tomorrow, cast your vote for John Kerry.

“I plan to vote across party lines this Nov. 2; PresidentJohn Kerry has a nice ring to it. Kerry has over two decades ofservice in public office, not including his service inVietnam.”