Why I'll vote John Kerry for president

If I were John Kerry and had 400 words to tell you why to vote for me, I most likely would only give one reason then explain it five different ways. It is not so much that John Kerry lacks reasons or ideas; he simply lacks the ability to be concise. I believe even Bush supporters would agree that a candidate should not be judged on his ability to communicate as much as his ability to lead.

Any election with an incumbent is part referendum on their performance and part election between candidates. Many people believe this election is simply voting for or against Bush. It is more than that. This election is a vote for or against the direction this country is moving in.

9/11 is referenced a lot by both sides of this election. Everyone agrees it was a tragedy resulting from many failures by all political parties, but nobody ever asks why it happened. Our response, led by Bush, was violent. Today our nation largely moves in the direction that terrorism behests violent response. I believe we were attacked because we do not treat nations around the world with respect. We also don't treat other nations with respect. John Kerry wants to build bridges, not burn them on the debate floor of the UN. Collaboration does not mean subordination, and America should not fear having friends in the world.

As a Christian, getting a tax cut is less important than everyone around the world being of significance. I do not have that in a president like Bush. During the first debate, Mr. Bush told a story about meeting the wife of a fallen soldier. After that story, he said about the loss, "Was it worth it? Every life is precious. That's what distinguishes us from the enemy. Everybody matters." What bridges are built when you tell the world that only in America does everybody matter?

True enough, John Kerry may not be the most ideal selection for president. He, though, is willing to change his mind and accept fault and mistakes in judgment. John Kerry understands war; he actually fought in it. Senator Kerry has a lot of money as does Mr. Bush, but only one of them is willing to take less of a tax cut to help less well-off people. Only one of them sees it foolish to give a tax cut and spend 200 billion dollars on a war based on vendettas - not national security. Only one has made the promise: "Help is on the way!" That one is John Kerry, and he is my hope. He is our only hope.