Elections: Don't support fear mongers

Franklin D. Roosevelt said: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."

George W. Bush, on the other hand, seems to be playing on the nation's fear.

Seeking to distract from a faltering economy and corporate scandals, President Bush and the Republicans have exaggerated the danger of Saddam Hussein and led the nation to the brink of war. As a result, oil prices have climbed and employers are issuing pink slips and relying on temps.

I believe the economy will recover only when we have the confidence to invest in America. We need to invest in a new generation of renewable energy technology that would lessen our dependence on imported oil. We need to support and rebuild public transportation. And we need to invest in the new generation itself through education. We cannot do these things if the president and Congress spend the majority of our tax dollars on military increases and corporate tax cuts.

Our country will be strong when we have leaders who emphasize hope, not fear — and then put the nation to work making that hope a reality. Voters should use this point as a litmus test when they go to the polls on Nov. 5.

Jan Pickard

Coupeville

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