Vote for Obama would 'undo our progress in keeping the enemy from our shores'

Editor:

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Army memories, while stationed at three free world borders, haunt me as we enter the election cycle. I have seen the empty eyes of people beyond our safe and abundantly blessed borders: East Berliners lined up to buy bread; scraggly beggar children in Juarez; and those making a new life who fled China and North Korea for the shores of Hawaii.

Last week, a friend told me that she is planning to vote for Obama. I told her I didn't think a Christian could vote for him, since he is pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, and pro-big- spending by government, which is damaging to a hurting economy. He holds socialistic beliefs about education and healthcare, too, which if enacted would erode competition. Without school choice (vouchers), we face more dumbing down.

A few days later I had to apologize to this woman. We've all voted for someone that we changed our minds about later. Growing up one of seven children in a working class family, I felt that no one owed me anything but a chance to do my best. Our parents taught us the value of hard work, and gratefulness for our nation's freedoms. They taught us about hope, caring for others, and not depending on the government. I earned a scholarship in order to go to college. A few years ago, the world read news articles about Iraqis lining up eighteen hours to vote, and Americans were proud to have helped them win their freedom.

Will we undo our progress in keeping the enemy away from our shores, and in being our brother's keeper, by voting for the candidate with polished charisma and smooth words?

Priscilla Bence

Martinez