10/1/04
I am heartened to see all the "Bush Must Go" lawn signs in Ithaca. The lack of Kerry signs suggests that many in Ithaca may again vote for third-party candidates such as David Cobb of the Green Party, Ralph Nader of the Independence Party and Michael Badnarik of the Libertarian Party.
Hopefully, not too many will vote for Bush's mirror image, Kerry, as he, like Bush, supports the war in Iraq, the draft, the Patriot Act, increasing the size and control of the federal government and spending unfathomable sums of money that our great-grandchildren will be paying back as taxes.
It would appear that Ithacans are more thoughtful than to consider a vote for Kerry much different than a vote for Bush.
If we can agree that we want change in this country, we cannot continue to vote for these two remarkably similar parties.
If history guides us, then Kerry will solidly win in New York, freeing "Bush Must Go" voters to vote their conscience.
Do we really want another billionaire lifetime politician, whose obligations are only to favored corporations and to special interests? A growing number of us are not falling for it any more.
We have another opportunity to choose a truly new path for our country. Consider attending the third-party debate at Cornell on Oct. 6. Hear what Bush, Kerry and the incumbent parties do not want us to hear, as they continue to place severe ballot access restrictions and national debate roadblocks in the way of the real competition.
Consider the road less traveled and avoid that crummy feeling on Nov. 2 if your vote is cast for the lesser of the two evils: Vote Green, Independence or Libertarian.
Brian Sullivan
City of Ithaca
http://www.theithacajournal.com/news/stories/20041001/opinion/1334578.html
