In two of three debates, Bush was steadily, monotonously on message, repeating tired, hollow taglines and inflated or false accusations. In the third, he showed himself unacceptable as a president of the United States of America.

In three of three debates, Kerry was on message, in full and nuanced grasp of the issues and the interrelationships among them. He was strong, resolute.

In a complex and dangerous world, America would do well to choose the smarter candidate.

In four years, Bush has squandered a budget surplus and created the largest budget deficit in U.S. history. He also squandered the global outpouring of support after Sept. 11, alienating U.S. allies. The U.S. has fewer jobs now, fewer Americans have health care, more live in poverty, and real wages have declined.

In his single term, Bush has taken us into a war based on assertions that have proven wrong, and over 1,000 American soldiers have died. The “reconstruction” of Iraq has been incompetent. That’s the kindest word to describe it. This, at a cost of well over $100 billion.

His Justice Department has issued orders (later rescinded) to remove volumes of U.S. law from public libraries. Secret laws in America? Not in the America outlined in the Constitution.

If people believe that this is the best America can do, they should vote for Bush.

If people think America can do better, they should vote for Kerry.

It’s no sin to change horses in midstream if the horse can’t swim.

Jackson W. Barnett, Poland