Somehow I had hoped this presidential campaign would be different. I was wrong. The Republicans successfully “Swift Boated” John Kerry and now they are willing to tell lies to win again. Jerome Corsi has published a book, “The Obama Nation,” full of untruths and distortions about everything from Sen. Obama’s childhood to his current political views. Instead of repudiating this scurrilous hatchet-job, far too many in the media are giving Corsi air time as though he were a credible and serious author.

I encourage Sen. John McCain to speak up and disassociate himself from Corsi, and rein in the Karl Rove smear machine – the source of the book – which is now running his campaign. Sen. McCain should give the American electorate the respect we deserve.

As Sen. Barack Obama does, Sen. McCain should discuss the issues and propose solutions to the serious problems we must confront.

Katharine K. Wilkins

Ellsworth