The Bee’s Choices:

For President

Every nightly news program reminds us of the short time remaining to the November 2 election. A red, white, and blue message provides a countdown, ten days remaining, eight days to go, and so on, and as The Bee goes to press this week, three days are left before pulling the lever for the next president of the United States and other elected officials.

Statistics govern the headlines in the daily press, telling us that the voters in 11 key states will swing a deadlocked race for the oval office. Both candidates have been focusing their attention on programs and ideas that will appeal to the women voters, both are chasing the support of minority groups, and President George W. Bush has spent time in Florida hoping to gain more of the Jewish vote. Democratic hopeful Senator John Kerry traveled to Nevada and promised, “not under my watch” will nuclear waste be deposited at Yucca Mountain. He did not, however, say which state would be targeted for the nuclear waste.

Iraq is, of course, undeniably at the core of debate this election year. We have been told all too many times that John Kerry voted with the President to go to war, and later voted against funding it. And we know that both the President and senator agree on many of the war’s cures, such as continued economical support and security. Kerry has not let the voter know how he will muster better international support, guarantee a wider base in reconstruction contracts, or bring our troops home in short order. He has promised things will change under his administration, but the time for change is now, not in January when the president is inaugurated. We look to President Bush to accomplish this before national elections are conducted in Iraq at the end of January 2005. He has no intention to withdraw American troops until our work is completed.

Since the events of 9/11, terrorism has become a household word. President Bush has often said that there is the danger we will be hit again regardless of who is seated in the White House. That is certain, but he has not let up his search for those who threaten the United States and has increased security checks at airports, as any traveler will tell you. Apparently terrorists are operating in as many as 55 countries, and the United States and its allies are fighting this war on many fronts. And contrary to comments made by Senator Kerry, President Bush has not “taken his eye off the ball” when it comes this matter.

Senator Kerry, who appears to be grasping at straws as the election draws nearer, is relying on a fear factor to bring voters into his fold. He has told senior citizens in Florida that the President plans a “January surprise,” cutting Social Security benefits. This came about as a result of the President’s suggestion of setting aside a portion of payroll tax as a reserve for retirement. Mr Bush has never had any intentions of cutting benefits to seniors.

And how about the draft? Mr Kerry has stated that if reelected, Mr Bush would reinstate the military draft. The Republicans do not want that to happen, the Pentagon does not want that to happen, and the military knows full well that a volunteer army is the best and only answer.

Regarding health issues, the Democratic candidate has put the blame for the flu vaccine shortage on the President, not on the firm that manufactures the vaccine. And it now seems that following the announcement of the shortage of flu shots, more and more people who have never received them before are now wanting one. Senator Kerry has seen fit to take President Bush to task for his ban on stem cell research. This attack was further emphasized when Kerry’s running mate, John Edwards, said that the research would allow such people as the late Christopher Reeves to “get up out of that wheelchair and walk again.” The President has not turned his back on this research and some federal funding is already in place

According to historians, it has been more than 100 years since this country has experienced two close races back to back. The election of 2004 is running about neck to neck with the events of 2000. Certain states are a given, while the number of swing states remains about the same. Politics do not change, only the issues at hand.

As time grows short it appears that Mr Kerry will say anything to advance his political career, and he comes across very convincingly. He is quick to challenge any remark made by the President, and the same can be said of Mr Bush and his people. One can easily look upon this election as the Battle for the Bottom. Few punches have been held back. Remember Mr Kerry’s uncalled for personal remark about Mary Cheney? Although wrong, as recognized by members of both parties, no apology was ever forthcoming. A simple “sorry” would have made him more understanding and appreciated by the American voter.

The voters in our country usually choose pretty well and we believe they will return George W. Bush to the White House for another four-year term.