At recent public events, the Republicans have resorted to mindlessly chanting “Four More Years” at the first sign of any reasoned discussion of the issues facing our nation. While this anti-democratic practice may serve to temporarily silence some individual voices, it cannot deny the collective power of the speakers’ ideas.

As we approach the upcoming presidential election, I would encourage all voters to heed the old familiar adage, which implores us to “look before you leap.”

Now is the time to closely “look” at the ramifications of “four more years” before we “leap” into another term.

As a nation, can we afford to lose thousands more of our sons and daughters to an endless war that lacks a plan for the peace?

Can we afford to see millions more lose their jobs or see entire industries outsourced to foreign labor?

Can we afford to subject our sons to the risk of a military draft or risk the safety of our daughters to a continued assault on women’s rights?

Can we afford the continued attacks on the quality of our air, water, forests and wildlife?

Can we afford four more years of rising worldwide terrorism under the nave hope that current policies will somehow keep the problem “over there”?

Can we afford the continued rising costs of gasoline, heating fuels, milk, groceries, health insurance, perscription drugs and college tuition?

Let’s stop all the chanting.

This election is worthy of serious discussion and debate.

Rich Byard, Auburn