We are in the midst of probably the the ugliest presidential campaign on record. Neither of the top two candidates wears a halo. Understandably, people are turning away. Some people are taking satisfaction in planning to vote for a third-party candidate. They feel they are being good citizens by voting, but remain virtuous by not voting for either of the tarnished major candidates. In reality, they are being selfish. The candidate of one of the major parties is sure to win. The new administration will by composed of a flawed individual, but also of the policies promised in the election and of a psychological milieu generated during the campaign. The potential consequences for the next four years are enormous. Good citizens must recognize that they are not voting for a saint but for a government which most closely promises values that we can live with. A third-party vote truly is a vote for the major candidate whom you most oppose.
Beverly Springer, Longmont
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