endorsement
Letter to the Editor
I cannot disagree more strongly with your endorsement of Vice President Al Gore for President. I would like to take this opportunity to explain why Governor George W. Bush is a better choice than Mr. Gore is. You first mention Mr. Gore's plan to use the surplus to pay down the national debt. I submit that the surplus is a result of collecting more taxes than necessary. Therefore, any excess taxes should be returned to us, the taxpayers, in the form of tax cuts. I think you are mistaken in saying that Mr. Bush's plan "encourages Americans to rely on the government for their retirement." Quite the opposite, Mr. Bush's plan allows for investment into private funds instead of relying on the current system that produces lower than inflation returns, which inherently decreases the value of each dollar put into the system.
As far as experience is concerned, I submit that a governor of the largest state in the contiguous United States is better experienced to serve in an executive position than a vice president is. The only official duty of the vice president is to preside over the U.S. Senate. Mr. Bush has been presiding over a large state with a large economy facing international issues (trade, border issues, etc.) Mr. Gore has proven his inability to relate with a GOP Congress, so the likelihood of a bi-partisan relationship is unlikely, while Bush has been commended on his ability to work with Democrats and overcome party lines.
An issue that you failed to mention is the abortion issue. Mr. Bush has consistently shown more respect for the rights of the unborn. Mr. Gore has supported partial-birth abortion, the horrific practice of removing the partially born baby's brain, so that the head will pass through the birth canal. As many as four Supreme Court Justices will be nominated over the next four years, and only Mr. Bush can be counted upon to nominate justices who will prohibit at least partial-birth abortions.
I strongly encourage those of you who have yet to vote, to vote for Mr. Bush.
Cody Rinehart
Champaign, Illinois
class of '00
November 1, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, November 3, 2000
