By Scott Patteson
Staff Writer

Pro-Kerry

Those who think that re-electing George W. Bush is a step in the right direction should re-examine the president’s stubborn policies and failed promises. Unlike Bush, Senator John Kerry is a candidate committed to integrity. Therefore, Bush must not be allowed to control this country for another term.
Bush’s shortcomings
Bush has built his presidency on deceit. He lied when he said that war was a last resort, that Saddam Hussein was linked to the war on terror and that he would protect America. Bush should know that America’s defenses must be rebuilt before aggressively combating terrorism.
Critics of Kerry remark that the senator’s views on the issue of Iraq have changed, but in reality Bush has been the true “flip-flopper” by contradicting the policies that built his year 2000 campaign. For instance, he wanted to cut child care funding, programs designed to combat child abuse and provide funding for doctors working in national children’s hospitals, all of which go against his past views. He has cut $16 billion from the Veterans Administration, yet says that he respects and cares for each soldier now in Iraq. Talk about mixed messages. Bush has spent over $200 billion on the war in Iraq, losing millions of jobs and destroying foreign alliances in the process.
Foreign policy
On the other hand, Kerry is determined to rebuild alliances, especially in Islamic nations, and plans to hold summits with international leaders. He knows that America is vulnerable due to Bush’s current policies in the Middle East. California Senator Jackie Spiers captured Kerry’s sentiment when she said, “…President Bush has destroyed decades of delicate diplomatic relations with other countries as a result of the… wildly unjustified invasion of Iraq.”
Kerry has a real strategy for finishing the war in Iraq in less than a year. He will install capable generals and implement a ten-year plan to rid America of dependence on oil from the Middle East. He will mend alliances, strengthen the military and reach out to Muslims.
Domestic policies
On the home front, Kerry plans to explore new technology and create many jobs. He will establish a realistic budget, create health plans for every child and fund the “No Child Left Behind Act,” ensuring a quality teacher in every classroom. He also plans to lower the cost of state colleges by providing aid to those with low prices, and increase the quality of America’s environment and water supply. He supports an increase in cancer research and is pro-choice for abortion. He plans to get the money from a recovering economy and a more effective war on terrorism.
Kerry embodies the American values that people have died to protect. He will fight for what he believes in after thoroughly reviewing and analyzing every aspect of American diplomacy thoughtfully and impartially. When reviewing the depressing facts of the current president, ask this question: Why does Bush deserve a second chance?