A Letter To The Editor

Election is around the corner and much is at stake. Most Americans voters have already decided who they will vote for President and who they will send to Congress. I am just like many other Americans who are affected by the daily politics from both major political parties. I don’t like McCain and I am not impressed with Obama, neither has demonstrated enough credentials to lead our country in this time of financial crisis; both play politics as usual and try to present a plan that may attract voters’ attention, but they seem to forget about checks and balances in our government, which means that whatever they promise today may not be approved by Congress when one become the President.

The national media and its local affiliations practically have decided who they want in the White House, but they do not put into consideration that regardless of how their “electoral map” may look like today, it is the American people who on November 4 will make that patriotic decision.

For many Hispanics the major issue is immigration reform, but to me, our economy, national security, and education are more important; the rest can simply be put on hold. This demonstrates that being from a particular ethnic background does not necessarily mean we are all united in what we think is best for our country and who would better represent us in Washington whether it is in the White House or in Congress.

I know there will be sore losers from both major political parties after the election is over. Here in the Eastern Shore, I am almost certain that those who chose Andy Harris over Wayne Gilchrest will have their heartburn if Frank Kratovil is elected, but they simply cannot understand that democracy comes first, and it is the majority of the people who have the final say on who they want to send to Washington. Hence, I highly recommend that they accept the outcome and keep in mind about how strong this country is when everybody puts politics aside and try to work together as a nation.

Now, who I will vote for is another story. I just wish the partisan politics would play no role during this time, but that is just a wish. As a responsible voter and taxpayer I cannot give a blank check to the White House and Congress. Hence, despite of how much I dislike John McCain, I will vote for him; Obama offended many Hispanics during his keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. Many have forgotten some of his comments about Hispanic issues; I do not forget nor would I vote for someone who directly and indirectly stated his lack of interest of working with my people until he decided to run for president.

For Congress, it is my belief that Frank Kratovil will do a better job for our district. Wayne Gilchrest during most of his tenure showed interest in working with people from different ethnic and cultural background and crossed party lines for the best of the general population while infuriating the local conservative elites. My vote will go for Mr. Kratovil for two reasons: we need representatives that work for the people and who are not afraid of working in a bipartisan manner.

Justiniano Leon, Jr.