Judson Cox, October 5, 2004

I did not vote for George W. Bush four years ago. I did not think he was conservative enough - I was right! I would say he has spent our tax dollars like a drunken sailor, but that would be an insult to drunken sailors, who at least spend their own money. He has created the largest entitlement since the Great Society, refused to enforce our immigration laws and encouraged illegal immigration through promises of amnesty. President Bush has even signed and supported campaign finance reform that tramples our First Amendment rights. That said, I will certainly vote for him this time!

On September 11th, 2001, Islamic terrorists killed more Americans on our own soil than died in Pearl Harbor. President Bush responded with courage, wisdom and determination. He identified the enemy and its allies. He toppled the Taliban in Afghanistan and he conquered the terrorist regime in Iraq. He turned key supporters of terrorism -- Libya, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan -- into reluctant allies. He planted seeds of self rule in the Middle East, which will likely lead to a pro-American revolution in Iran. He has drawn the terrorists into Iraq where they must fight our soldiers rather than attack our civilians on our soil.

President Bush is the only candidate who recognizes that we are at war with an enemy that seeks our destruction.

Sen. Kerry would not defend America by waging war abroad without the permission of the United Nations - including France and Germany. If Sen. Kerry were persuaded to declare war, his actions have shown us that he would de-fund our troops, abandoning them on the battlefield without the tools necessary to protect themselves and win the war.

Libertarian Candidate Michael Badnarik barely acknowledges terrorism. No matter how many terrorists come into our country, he maintains that our borders must be open and unregulated. He opposes granting law enforcement the tools to investigate terrorists. He thinks our military should be all but dissolved in favor of private mercenaries and security guards. 9/11 taught us that such blind ideology is suicidal during a time of war. I voted for Harry Browne, but I will not vote for Michael Badnarik.

Green Party Candidate David Cobb believes, "The unjust, illegal and immoral war in Iraq must be brought to an end now. David Cobb and Pat LaMarche call for an immediate withdrawal of US military from Iraq and will work towards the eradication of the military-industrial complex which necessitates war as a corporate profit-making scheme." He believes America is to blame for Islamic terrorism. Osama bin Laden said, "It is the duty of all Muslims to kill Americans and Jews," but Cobb blames the "military industrial complex." Cobb's response to a ruthless enemy is to disarm and beg for forgiveness.

Reform Party Candidate Ralph Nader believes, "The quagmire of the Iraq war and occupation could have been averted and needs to be ended expeditiously, replacing US forces with a UN peacekeeping force.... We should not be mired in the occupation of Iraq risking further upheavals when our infrastructure, schools and health care are deteriorating. Four years of free public college and university tuition for all students could be paid for by $155 billion." Nader believes that if America conformed to his socialist ideals, the UN would rush to our defense and terrorists would become peaceful.

President Bush is the only candidate who is not mired in delusion. He recognizes the enemy and he is committed to fight and win. President Bush is a good man. He is honest, humble and righteous. His policies are guided by his morals and his morals are guided by his faith. President Bush does not equivocate or assume nuanced positions to keep up with shifting public opinions. He said he would cut taxes, and he did. He said he would topple the Taliban, and he did. He said he would overthrow Saddam, and he did. He said he would spread freedom and democracy in the Middle East, and make America safer, and he has. Americans, our allies and our enemies know that we can trust his word. President Bush has passed the only test that matters, global or domestic, that of integrity, and he has earned my vote.

Judson Cox is a political columnist from the mountains of North Carolina. He is quickly gaining recognition as one of the most popular and influential voices of his generation. As a college student, and a young entrepreneur, he has a unique perspective on matters of politics, economics and culture.

Copyright © 2004 Judson Cox