I’m fed up with George W. Bush. And please don’t call me a radical, lefty, liberal Democrat. I am now a Democrat (since 2000), but I first registered as a Republican, and have been an independent (unenrolled) most of my life.

I vote the person and the policies, not the party. I always vote.

But I am outraged at what has happened the past four years. And I didn’t like what Bush did in Texas, either.

He has gutted our environmental laws into mockery. He ignores the international treaties, which the United States signed. He gave huge tax breaks to the wealthy. I received $300, but I got back at him: I gave it to the Democratic Party. And then he marches us, macho-style, into a dubious and devastating war in Iraq.

Politics used to be fun. Not anymore.

It’s become a hotbed for demolition experts with ugly ads full of lies and distortions. But I read, and listen, and try my best. I hope for more civility, more honesty, a glimmer of integrity. Am I asking too much? No.

I will take intelligence over arrogance any day, and I shall just vote for John Kerry.

Beth Brough, Greenwood