I was talking with a coworker at Fusz’s security desk late one
night about who we were voting for in the upcoming election. We
both said we were voting for Kerry, and both because he is not
George Bush.

In essence, I have been considering voting for John Kerry–not
on the basis that I agree with his ideas and policies, but because
I disagree so adamantly with Bush’s. He and I both talked about how
sad it is that the upcoming election will be decided by whether or
not our country is honestly that sick of Bush, and not by who is
the more respectable of the two candidates.

While I may respect Kerry in ways that I do not respect Bush,
such as his actual military service in Vietnam while Bush sat safe
at home in Alabama, I find it very difficult to support him, seeing
as how I either disagree with or don’t know his stance on many
issues.

I feel compelled to vote for him, however, because I would never
vote for George Bush. Anyone who jumps into a war without even
double-checking their evidence and reasoning for doing so should
not be president. A leader of this country should be a man who
thinks before he acts. Bush isn’t courageous. He’s foolhardy. I
won’t even start on what I think of his environmental policies or
his public-speaking skills.

I was joking with one of my professors about the fact that
Xavier Hall’s classrooms are either cold enough to justify a winter
coat in August, or absolutely sweltering. He said this resembled
American politics: either far left or far right. I laughed
especially hard, because that is completely true. Run into a
College Republican meeting passing out John Kerry buttons and see
how quickly you get thrown out. Likewise, talk to a College
Democrat about your love for Dick Cheney; they won’t listen very
long. There is no more middle ground in American politics. It’s
simply based on who you disagree with less, or what party you
signed up for.

While many Americans may be voting for Kerry simply to get Bush
out of office, I am strongly reconsidering my vote. I would like to
be able to find a candidate that thinks before he acts, but one
that I know will act intelligently.

I strongly encourage everyone to vote this November not on the
basis of which candidate they hate less, but who they honestly
respect and feel represents them. Nader is a perfectly respectable
candidate. The man is sincere about what he believes, and does not
waffle on any issues. One’s vote is his or her voice. It is one’s
ability to say what they feel and have that opinion spoken for in
our government. I heard Crosby and Stills are running on a
double-ticket. If they get elected, they will alternate days being
president. If that is who you want to vote for, though I cannot
imagine why, then do so. If you really have a valid respect for
John Kerry and find him to be a desirable choice for president,
vote for him. But don’t waste a perfectly good vote on someone you
hate. If these two candidates aren’t for you, write in Ross Perot
if you are so inclined.

Marshall Johnson is a sophomore studying English.