On Nov. 2, I will vote for John Kerry because I believe that a further four years under the presidency of George W. Bush would be a disaster for this country and an obstacle to world peace.

He has acted imprudently, impatiently, arrogantly and aggressively in his foreign policy. The hasty invasion of Iraq has resulted in chaos, loss of lives and thousands of injuries to our soldiers and many more Iraqis. I grieve for their loved ones and families.

He has ignored the advice of his State Department staff in preference to that of the hawks in his Cabinet. The ire of the Muslims has been aroused worldwide.

At home, he has shown favor to big business and steered his tax relief to the very rich. Within the last month, he has disregarded the wishes of the majority in allowing the ban on assault weapons to lapse, due to pressure from the NRA.

The air we breathe is polluted by smoke from the chimneys of coal-fired power stations due to his failure to take action against them, and he has relaxed laws that safeguard our natural environment.

During his leadership, many people have been detained illegally and prisoners abused. So it is not surprising that many people are very scared by the thought of George W. Bush living in the White House for another four years. I am one of them.

John K. Hampshire, Auburn

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