Barack Obama’s proposed liberal policies, his personal and political associations and his life choices are the reasons I cannot vote for him.

They go to his character, his lack of judgment and the absence of leadership skills.

In 1960 John F. Kennedy was elected in a very close and contentious race. In his inaugural address, JFK offered these inspiring words: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Those simple words united our country behind his presidency and immediately became part of his legacy.

Earlier this year, Caroline Kennedy passed the torch to Barack Obama. Because of this, a question for today’s electorate is “Which candidates have taken the words of JFK and put them into action, translated that action into accomplishments, and, in so doing, demonstrated their leadership?”

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have not. They have shown in their personal lives, legislative pandering actions and proposals and campaign rhetoric that they put party and power first.

John McCain and Sarah Palin embody the spirit of JFK’s uplifting and transcendent words. They have embraced them, lived them, and absorbed them into their character. They can unite our country.

Rodney Webb

Newport