It is imperative that the people of the United States elect the best possible president in 2008 because of the gigantic challenges our nation is facing currently and in the foreseeable future. Yet too many of us vote frivolously for a candidate based on superficial factors such as the gift of gab, lofty pie-in-the-sky promises, physical appearance, party affiliation, preferences of parents and friends and biased editorials in the news media.

Conversely, the wise and conscientious voter votes for a candidate based only on his or her qualifications. The prudent voter uses criteria such as the following to guide him or her when voting for a presidential candidate: overall health, age, physical stamina, emotional stability, character, integrity-ethics, reputation-image, intelligence, open-mindedness (balance between conviction and flexibility), job-related knowledge, experience and skills, philosophy regarding government and governing, position on the important issues, basic management skills – especially staffing and communicating skills, people skills (likability) with the ability to motivate and gain cooperation, and proactive attitudes toward problems and decision-making.

Since people from all over the world have fought and died for the right to vote freely for the candidates of their choice, isn’t it incumbent upon us to choose the best possible person to be our next president?

Walter St. John

Old Town