Too many people have made the statement that they are not voting for John Kerry, but rather voting against President Bush. Although this may lead to the preferred outcome, it is for the wrong reason. Vote for John Kerry because he is the best choice.

Bush has had four years to prove his worth as the leader of the free world — and failed. Not only has he created animosity abroad toward the United States, but during his reign, 1.6 million private sector jobs have been lost domestically, and job creation is not keeping pace nor are the jobs created valued the same.

Bush has also failed to admit his mistakes. The United States attacked Iraq on faulty intelligence and used Americans’ fear of al-Qaida to garner the public’s support. But Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein aren’t connected and no weapons of mass destruction were located in Iraq. The world may be a better place without Saddam in power, but it is hard to ignore the error in judgment Bush made. Although it may be fair to blame his advisers, as the president, Bush needs to take responsibility. The buck stops with Bush. Wrong war, wrong time, Mr. President. With Kerry as president, the United States has the opportunity to rebuild relationships abroad and end the enmity Bush created. Currently, the U.S. focus is solely on Iraq, and this tunnel vision has failed to encourage U.S. safety. North Korea and Iran are emerging as dangerous foes, and other nations are suffering from genocide and failures to convert to democracy because of infighting — making them perfect breeding grounds for terrorists. The United States will need a network of allies, and Kerry is the candidate with the diplomacy to achieve this goal.

Bush hasn’t failed only abroad, but also at home. The deficit has soared to inconceivable rates and the size of the U.S. bureaucracy has swelled. Don’t conservatives favor small government? Kerry will do better.

Kerry’s plan for social security is reasonable — a bipartisan reform like the one used in 1997. Although this may seem more drawn out than Bush’s quick-fix plan for younger Americans to begin storing money for their own social security, it is the best option. Seniors will not suffer reduced checks or higher taxes, and youth get the guarantee that a president is working to ensure their future with the assistance of the entire Congress.

Kerry is also devoted to higher education, a topic dear to all ISU students. His proposal for refundable credit is prudent, and there are certainly loan loopholes that can be closed to pay the refunds. In contrast, Bush promises an increase in Pell Grant awards — a promise he made four years ago. To Bush’s credit, the number of Pell Grants awarded has increased, but the value of them has not, making it difficult for even the most promising poor students to earn a degree.

Let Americans not have to admit in four years they made a mistake by re-electing Bush. Vote for John Kerry.