Voters can decide for themselves

To the editor:

We have met the enemy, and he is us. If we really want a populist president, then so be it. He would be a leader who would give every American what he wants. A chicken in every pot. Two horses in every barn. You won't earn it. We'll give it to you. If you want it, you got it.

Isn't that our biggest complaint about politicians? Pat us on the head and tell us what we want to hear. Vote for me and I'll make things better.

The truth is out there. We should be the most informed and educated electorate in the universe. The news is everywhere. No one should ever be able to pull the wool over our eyes. We all should be able to listen to a campaign speech or a news report and draw our own conclusions.

If the candidates want to treat us like children, then let's respond with the preschooler's chant: Why? Why? Why? Let's drive them nuts. Make them answer our questions. We're not talking liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican. We need strong leaders who can make tough choices and steer the course.

Please make your own choice. We're not lemmings, are we?

RANDY DUNN

Oak Ridge