As an Independent I have watched as the Presidential Candidates throw out their visions of what government should be. The main topics are Iraq, health care and of course Taxes.

Democrats and Republicans alike have their version and ideas of these topics. I agree with both parties on certain topics. Yet I have not heard either party discuss what I believe to be the main topic.

As an Independent I agree with the Democrats that we need to get out of Iraq. But I do not believe in cut and run. I think we need to decrease our forces and make the Iraqi government stand on its own two feet.

I also stand behind the Democrats tax philosophy, get rid of the loop holes that make the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

I tend to believe the Conservatives are correct when talking about cutting the size of government.

Both parties talk about maintaining the standing in the world as a super power and the deliver of democracy.

Both parties talk about the reputation of the United States and the support we give to other nations.

The rhetoric of both parties is the same as it has been for years. The politics are the same as it has been for years.

I have yet to hear either party discuss bring Honesty and Integrity back to government.

If we are going to lead the world we need to be able to lead ourselves first. We need a President who can restore Honesty and Integrity back into the government. We need a President who can lead the country and the individual states with Honesty and Integrity.

As it has happened so many times before party affiliation and politics have ruled the decisions. Lobbyist and Labor with their money have more say so, than the American People.

We need Right and Wrong to matter, as it did when our forefathers founded this great nation.

To many times the status quo is good enough and the American People have suffered. To many time the authorities have used phrase like “it’s just politics or it’s the process”. I submit to you that this is not the answer.

I and all Americans deserve; No demand that Honesty and Integrity be restored to our government. Restoration of Honesty and Integrity is imperative.

We deserve; No demand that Right and Wrong be used as a platform in the decision making process whether it is a foreign matter or domestic.

If we are to be considered credible though out the world we need to be credible here at home first.

Government has a duty and responsibility to act and work by these values whether they are Republican or Democrat. Our country can not go wrong if they follow these golden rules.

I can speak from personal experience that State government could learn a lesson from the use of Honesty and Integrity.

Favoritism and nepotism should not be used to make policy. Turning a blind eye to crime and corruption in government should not be tolerated.

Democrats and Republicans alike will still maintain their differences. They can still rally around their causes.

And the American people will still have our great two party system.

And the American people will still have a voice

But the American people will be assured that good government is based on good values, Honesty and Integrity.

Jeff Hotchkiss