The Communique

Issue date: 4/29/04 Section: Opinion

James Ian Killinger: Layout / Art Editor

Gay marriage is an important civil rights issue that has finally found its place in the public forum.

Little did anyone know the debate over this issue would spread across the country faster than a celebrity sex-tape.

To be sure, the issue of gay marriage deserves our attention. However, in this election year it is also necessary for people to explore other issues and see just where our presidential candidates stand.

If someone else were going to spend your money how would you like him or her to do it? This is surely something to remember while evaluating each candidate's fiscal stance.

The country still has a $7 trillion debt. What are Kerry's plans to lift it? What is Bush's strategy? Is deficit spending a good thing or are they going too far? Did Bush's tax relief deepen the debt or was it a brilliant move to steadily revitalize the economy? These are things to consider.
After all, it's your money.

We hear about it all the time: global warming this, ozone depletion that. What is the fate of this planet? Should our nation be making more strenuous efforts to protect the environment?

There are some who would think it best to begin drilling for oil in Alaska's Natural Wildlife Reserve. Others disagree. (Just look at the top of this page.) Which tree do you swing from?

During George W. Bush's presidency, the United States launched its first ever-preemptive attack on another country. This raises some interesting questions concerning use of military force in the future as well as our current notions regarding foreign policy. Who we choose as our next president will undoubtedly affect our nation's global position.

These make up just the tip of the iceberg. I encourage others to consider each candidate's take on all of the other hot topics such as gun control, abortion, healthcare, government programs, the influence of religion on national policy, the death penalty, the effectiveness of the No Child Left Behind and many others.

For many (including myself) this will be the first time voting in a presidential election. For others it might be the umpteenth time they have made their selection and dropped a ballot in the box.

Regardless of where you stand on the issues I urge you to do the same: consider all of your options, examine the possibilities and, for the love of democracy, try not to get dirty when the mud starts flying this fall.

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