There are numerous reasons why President George W. Bush should be given a second term by the American people. But one should suffice. Since he stood in the rubble of the World Trade Center and proclaimed that the terrorists would "hear from all of us soon," President Bush has been a consistent and robust defender of American interest and "The Bush Doctrine." Since that time, America has liberated Afghanistan, held first-ever elections there, significantly degraded Al Qaeda's leadership, liberated Iraq and kept our nation safe from further attack, all under his watch.

In contrast, Senator Kerry has given Americans every reason to doubt his stated purpose to "defend America." His incessant internationalism, his referring to terrorism as a "nuisance" and looking for "global tests" to legitimize US military action have all brought serious questions to mind as Americans contemplate a Kerry presidency. Senator Kerry's senate record belies his recent statements of strength, and alternatively, presents a record of appeasement, defense and intelligence funding cuts, and at least the suspicion that he would hand over US National security to the United Nations.

On this one issue alone, America cannot afford a Kerry presidency. The call of freedom must be sounded clearly in the years ahead, but Senator Kerry's statements and record make us believe he is not up to the task. Does anyone think that a wavering Europe will be stiffened by a Kerry presidency? Not likely.

Domestically, Senator Kerry might not be a disaster, since it is unlikely he could get his spending bills through a Republican controlled Congress. Like Bill Clinton in the years following the 1994 Republican Revolution, others will control the purse strings. However, a Kerry presidency would most certainly mean lots of new spending proposals and big government rhetoric emanating from the Democratic Party. With Senator Kerry's spending record in the Senate, anyone who thinks he will lower the deficit is dreaming.

To be sure, President Bush has disappointed many a conservative with his free-spending ways in his first term. Much, but not all of the red ink, was necessitated by the war on terror. Education and prescription drug spending were concessions to the electorate. The President claims he will restrain domestic spending in a second term. We hope so. The only comfort to conservatives is that Senator Kerry would be worse.

On social issues, president Bush upholds traditional values on such issues as stem-cell research, (demagogued by the Democrats), judicial appointments, abortion and marriage. Senator Kerry is both clearly outside the mainstream and has apparently given liberal interest groups the nod that he is far more liberal in his views than his public campaign statements would indicate. If Senator Kerry is elected, it would not be long until his true views would be known and prosecuted. A Kerry presidency would only continue and authorize the cultural decline that troubles so many Americans.

For these very important reasons I endorse President Bush for another four years as President. For the good of all Americans, we hope and pray there will some wind at his back, both at home and abroad, in a Bush second term.

  John Pendleton