Elect McCain

We endorse John McCain for President of the United States.  By the issues, here's why:

Economy: McCain fought for the federal bailout package passed last week. He has promised to permanently restructure and downsize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and supported the failed 2005 legislation that may have averted the current crisis. He wants to end the use of taxpayer money for private interests, and has called for greater transparency and disclosure in mortgage lending and banking.

He also has promised to do everything possible to keep credit-worthy homeowners in their homes, including (at the Tuesday debate) using $300 billion of the $700 billion bailout to buy up shaky mortgages and replace them with "manageable" fixed-rate mortgages.

That last may seem to go against McCain's long-held ethic of lowering government spending, but it's a sign he recognizes the enormity of the situation we're facing. Evicting people from their homes when they're unable to pay their mortgages would result in social upheaval and destroy neighborhoods.

McCain also strongly backs free trade, rightly seeing it as key to both prosperity and peace.

Size of government: McCain has long opposed growth in government spending. In the Sept. 8 Wall Street Journal op-ed, he pledged in his first 100 days in office to examine "every agency and department and expenditure of the federal government and ask this simple question: Is it serving the needs of the taxpayer?" If the answer is no, he wrote, "we will reform it or shut it down."

Taxes: McCain is opposed to tax increases and has never voted for one in all his years in the Senate. He favors a simpler tax system with a "flat" alternative. He wants to keep the Bush tax cuts, keep the capital gains tax at 15 percent, and cut the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25.

Energy: Like many Americans, McCain has undergone a complete change of heart regarding offshore drilling, as evidenced by the choice of running mate. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is strongly in favor of developing and using our domestic resources.

McCain also wants expanded use of nuclear power. He supports development of alternative energy sources, but recognizes that it will be years before they can significantly support our energy needs.

Health care: McCain's plan is one of his strongest policy proposals. He wants to replace the current tax deduction on employer-provided health insurance with a tax credit of $2,500 per person (or $5,000 per family). This would go to everyone, whether or not their employers offer health insurance, so more people could buy private insurance.

The plan would promote competition among providers and hopefully lower both costs and taxes, while allowing people to choose a plan that best fits their needs.

Courts: McCain has promised to name "strict constructionists" to the Supreme Court, or in other words, justices who would strictly interpret the law as written and intended. That's as it should be.

Social policy: Here the differences between McCain and his opponent are stark. McCain opposes abortion rights. His Web site says the Roe vs. Wade decision was flawed and should be overturned. Barack Obama opposes restrictions on abortion.

McCain opposes same-sex marriage and civil unions, but would allow states to make their own laws on these issues. Obama supports civil unions and wants states to recognize such unions from other states.

McCain opposes restrictions on gun ownership; Obama supports gun laws including background checks.

Foreign policy: Much has been made of McCain's flippant remark earlier this year that the U.S. would be in Iraq for 100 years. He was reacting to the endless demands for a deadline for withdrawal — but his comment also revealed his understanding that nation building takes years, even decades.

From the beginning, McCain seemed to comprehend far better than the Bush administration that Iraq was a huge project. He knew more troops were needed, and called for such long before the "surge" was implemented.

McCain's military background is perhaps the greatest asset he brings to the presidency. He understands the principles on which this nation was founded and he's utterly committed to America. He has a realistic view of nations like Russia and Iran, but also would use caution before pushing us into another war; he knows first-hand what wars do to our military. He has shown courage and fortitude, and would continue to do so as president.

It's worth pointing out that McCain lacks the negative baggage his opponent carries: the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, ACORN, etc.

In addition, without a Republican in the White House, there will be virtually no check on the Democratic Congress led by Sen. Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Nothing would stop them from enacting an extremely liberal social agenda as well as further socializing the nation.

If we want the economy to be free to grow again; if we want even a chance of returning this nation to its founding values; if we want America to be strong again and respected if not loved by other countries, we will elect John McCain as the 44th president of the United States.

Copyright 2008 The Findlay Publishing Company. All rights reserved.