DEAR EDITOR:
In a few weeks we get to exercise our right to elect a president. The choice we make will set a course for the future of the U.S.
We need to put aside the notion of Democrat or Republican and be "Americans" first and foremost. Each of us needs to get beyond all the media rhetoric that will fill our lives and consider the issues:
Should we spend more than we take in?
Do we need to get more people working in this country?
Is marriage between a man and a woman or should there be no restrictions?
Do we need a strong military?
Should we demonize those who have worked hard and become successful or is that just the result of their pursuit of the American dream?
Should the government require that employers supply contraceptives to employees? If free contraceptives are currently available now, through social agencies and employers, why are there so many moms on welfare with multiple kids?
How best do we administer programs like Social Security and Medicare? Is Obamacare going to work?
If indeed 47 percent of the folks don't pay federal income tax and we don't get more people working and create more higher-paying new jobs to pay taxes, doesn't that just leave the wealthy and middle class to support all federal programs? If so, how does the middle class not get stuck with a higher tax burden?
Our country was formed on the democratic principle that neither one person nor one party has all the answers and we as reasonable people can work together to move our country forward.
I urge voters to think as an "American" on how best we pursue our future. Is it President Obama's liberal approach or Gov. Romney's conservative style that should lead us forward?
God Bless America (yes, the same one in which we trust).
Paul J. Bobbey
Newton Falls