Western Courier

Issue date: 10/25/04 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Ashley Hauk

The debates are over. Western Illinois University students can no longer register to vote. A week from tomorrow, Western students will cast their ballots and vote for whom they think will make the best president.

The Western Courier endorses Sen. John Kerry for president. Kerry is the best man for president for a number of reasons. A rare politician, Kerry is brave enough to change his mind. It is only a fool who will stay with a mistake to the depths of hell, as some politicians do.

Kerry is a leader smart enough to know the world changes constantly. When conditions change, Kerry is strong enough to change without fear of appearing indecisive.

Kerry is not indecisive. He has shown he will not buckle under attack. When the untrue Swift Boat ads surfaced, Kerry stood his ground and defended his name.

The ads were shown to be completely false and Kerry's real boatmates have, in fact, called him a hero.

Because Kerry has seen the horrors of war firsthand, he will surely take every measure before sending more college-age people to battle and will not use their lives in a needless war, as George. W. Bush has done.

Where Bush ostracized the United States from nearly every ally and turned a non-terrorist nation into a breeding ground for terrorist activity, Kerry has promised to bring more outside countries "to the table."

When it comes to other issues affecting Western students, Kerry also stands firm.

Kerry and his running mate Sen. John Edwards have resolved to make college education affordable.

They have also promised an expansion of alternative fuels by offering tax breaks to automakers and buyers of alternatively fueled cars. This plan will benefit the environment and oil conservation and reduce American dependency on oil, all issues that today's students will inherit.

Kerry has acknowledged the fact that women earn significantly less than men and has resolved to change the trend. Kerry also has promised to fight for the continuation of Roe v. Wade, thus ensuring the rights of women to choose in regard to their bodies.

Kerry has said that although he believes marriage is between a man and a woman, such rights should not be kept from anyone.

Kerry also supports stem cell research, which can lead to a cure for diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Kerry's beliefs will benefit the growth of the nation in a global way and stop the selfish hypocrisy of the Bush administration. Kerry will truly be a better president for the nation, as well as for our university.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools