[Andy Baker]

I'll vote Bush.

I cannot sit here and say that I like the guy, and I wish that we had better candidates to choose from. But, here are my reasons:

1. I believe in a smaller government. I am not happy that Bush has approve the spending of too much money over the last 4 years, but I think that a Republican president would make an effort to keep the government smaller than a Democratic president. I definitely don't want a Democratic president with a Democratic congress... this combination scares me.

Although I understand we need to have governmental controls, I actually lean more toward Libertarian, believe it or not. Adam Smith and that whole "invisible hand" stuff - I like that.

2. I am against abortion. This is non-debatable with me.

3. I believe in a strong military. Our actions and efforts in Afganistan are stellar. Our presence in Iraq is needed, but I don't agree with how Bush went about things. However, people need to keep in mind that Iraq broke many UN resolutions and the UN did not have the guts to stand up to him. Also, keep in mind that Iraq is not even in the same ballpark as Vietnam with regard to American lives lost.

Before you criticize me for being a "uncaring conservative fool", think again. I give much money to charity. I serve on the board of directors at a local rehabilitation organization (not-for-profit). I spend countless hours giving my passion to another not-for-profit organization, FIRST. I often talk to my more left-leaning friends and ask them what they do for their community, and they have no reply.

These are my political thoughts. Do I agree with everything that the Bush administration does? no. Some of the things tick me off too. However, my political thoughts are more in line with Bush's compared to Kerry's.

Many of you are smarter than me and will challenge me to a debate about this. I won't play that game. You won't change my mind, most likely. Feel free to educate me, but I probably won't debate these issues. My beliefs are deep, religious, and will probably not change. I am the way I am... maybe it's the stubborn farmer in me.

While I have these beliefs, I also think that what makes America great is the freedom to have your own beliefs and not be persecuted by others for them. I'll respect your opinions if you respect mine.

Andy B.