We should not elect Sen. John McCain because he will continue President Bush’s policies. President Bush’s unprovoked war with Iraq has sowed bad will around the world toward America. As a result, he has increased, rather than decreased the threat of terrorism. He has flouted treaties against torture, decreasing the safety of American soldiers and civilians abroad.

These policies cost money as well as safety. The Iraq and Afghan wars have cost more than $1 trillion, which could have been spent on health care, Social Security, rebuilding bridges or investing in renewable energy. McCain wants to stay in Iraq until we have “victory,” but he won’t say what victory would look like, and doesn’t seem worried about the cost in lives and suffering and money.

McCain’s war policies will continue the spending spree of the once fiscally responsible Republican Party. This crazy spending is perhaps the greatest threat to our security. Investors are beginning to question the wisdom of lending money to our government. If they become more doubtful about our financial responsibility, our entire financial system may collapse.

We must raise taxes to protect the security of the American financial system, by increasing taxes on corporations and the rich. Their share of tax payments has decreased greatly in the past eight years and their income has skyrocketed. While some, like McCain, own maybe seven houses, others are losing their only home.

We need change. We need Obama.

Jane McCloskey

Deer Isle