Anchorage Daily News

Editor's note: Last week we asked readers to "Talk Sense to Frank." Frank Gerjevic, one of our editorial writers, remains undecided on his vote for president. Many of you have talked sense with passion, wit, conviction and care and enriched the presidential election debate here. Frank received almost 100 responses online, about a dozen e-mails, 20 letters and plenty of recommended reading. Thanks very much for taking the time. You did what you could for Frank. If he remains undecided much longer, it's his own fault.

Palin can get help from above

I want to support Frank's efforts and yours to persuade everyone to think it through completely, then VOTE! Obviously, Sarah Palin has far more experience than either Obama or Biden in making government decisions and negotiating with corporations, taxing properly, public relations -- you name it! And besides, she has a close relationship with God, whose prayer line is never too busy to take a call for wisdom, as he is the ultimate source!

-- Jack Vantrease

Anchorage

Who makes you feel secure?

Dear Frank,

When you watch the candidates speak, which one do you believe will inspire the American people, especially those under 30, and bring out the best in us? Which candidate is 95 percent of the world rooting for? Which of the two candidates has the intellect and critical thinking skills to guide us through the messes we're in? Which vice presidential candidate would you feel safe with if the worst occurred and he or she had to take over? Which candidate's world view do you share? Which candidate will do more for the poor and the minimum-wage workers? Which candidate is more prone to going to war as opposed to exhausting all other options? Which of the two couples appears to love and cherish each other and treat each other as equals in intellect and heart? Which first lady will have the most positive impact?

Finally, when you watch McCain and Palin and Obama and Biden speak, who do you want to listen to for four to eight more years? For me, the answer is Barack Obama hands down.

-- Barbara Belknap

Juneau

McCain lacking during crisis

I am registered as "undeclared" in Alaska. I've voted for a number of parties over the years. This year I cast my vote for Obama (I voted early). The defining moment to me was watching McCain respond to the financial crisis. Semi-rushing back to take charge of a committee that he wasn't even a part of in the Senate showed me several things.

First, he's not a critical thinker. Did he forget there are more people in the Senate who had more financial experience then he did?

Second, he's impulsive: not a good trait for someone having so many weapons at his disposal.

Last, taking credit where no credit was due. For weeks after the event he was going on about the actions "he" took. Remember, by the time he showed up an initial deal was in place. It broke down only AFTER he showed up.

This is a man who had every opportunity growing up and almost squandered every one.

-- Bill Tremblay

Petersburg

Colin Powell has the right idea

Frank, read Maureen Dowd's column ("Obama's judgment wins Powell's vote") -- it was right next to yours on the page. McCain and his group have allowed themselves to pander to those ideologues who have such a fear of "the other" that they have lost all sense of reality and true patriotism. Whereas Barack Obama has shown us reason, openmindedness and tolerance during this campaign.

Obama's fair judgment will serve this country well. Join with Colin Powell and vote for him.

-- Jeff Patrick

Anchorage

You have alternatives, Frank

Frank, don't feel that you have to vote for one of the major-party candidates. I'm not going to (even though I prefer one over the other).

For the last several elections I have voted for the candidates from one of the smaller political parties, even though I knew those candidates would not be elected. I simply agreed with their party's platform more than the platforms of the Republicans and the Democrats. And my vote also sends the message that I am not satisfied with the two largest parties in our political system.

I don't consider that a wasted vote. Yours wouldn't be wasted either, Frank.

-- George Nagel

Anchorage

Essay was just a waste of time

You should have run Frank Gerjevic's meditation on fence-sitting in the Life section with Heather Lende's soft-minded disquisitions on home and hearth, not on the Opinion page.

This election is not about ideas of governance. This election is about character.

If you can't stand the idea of a progressive young black man, long on education but short on national experience, in the Oval Office, you must vote for McCain, whether he has disappointed you or not.

If you can't stand the idea of an aging wing nut with a history of malignant melanoma and a parakeet in the Oval Office, you must vote for Obama, whether he has convinced you or not.

Why Gerjevic wasted two minutes on this lame essay beats me.

-- Diane Pleninger

Anchorage

Check the Democrats' record

Still undecided? Well consider this.

Raise capital gains taxes, tax the wealthy, tax corporations. Who do you work for? Will their taxes and expenses go up? What will happen to your job?

Subprime debacle. Who was directly involved? Carter, Clinton, Obama, Dodd.

Frank? Who sued Citibank to pressure for the approval of subprime mortgages in 1994?

Who received money from Fannie and Freddie?

Energy crisis. What party blocked the development of domestic energy resources, nuclear resources and building of refining infrastructure for almost 30 years?

Who has been involved with voter registration fraud? ACORN.

Who legally represented and later volunteered as a trainer for ACORN?

Who has numerous unresolved radical associations during their political career?

Who will negotiate unconditionally with nations that want to destroy us?

Who has been endorsed by rogue nations?

Barry, Harry and Nancy?

Need I say more?

My vote will go to McCain/Palin, Stevens and Young.

-- David Smith

Anchorage

Nader has changed our lives

Here in Alaska, our choices for president include Baldwin, Barr, McCain, Nader, Obama. Consider what each candidate has actually accomplished in the past for the broadest spectrum of Americans. While McCain's military service cannot be minimized as a contribution, it seems clear to me that Ralph Nader has actually done more for the broadest spectrum than anyone else. The guy doesn't pander to anyone; he has arguably helped us all. He's changed all our lives for the better -- rich and poor alike. Please watch the videos on www.votenader.org. I think you'll be impressed. Then we need Ron Paul as the secretary of the Treasury.

-- Mark Blumenthal

Anchorage

Obama better for health coverage

Think about the health plan proposed by John McCain. He will tax the value of the health insurance provided by your current or former employer and give you a $2,500 per person (or $5,000 per family) tax credit in return so you can buy your own insurance.

Do you think you can find a private insurance company policy that will not cost much more than that? I don't think so.

I didn't realize until recently that McCain's plan will affect everyone who has an employer-provided health care benefit, which includes retired federal, military and union workers as well as all of us retirees who receive benefits from the State of Alaska retirement plan. Barack Obama will let you keep your current health insurance plan. Think carefully about this issue before you mark your ballot on Nov. 4.

-- Linda Dalton

Anchorage

Prospect of McCain win troubling

Frank, I have voted in every election since 1964, which only proves that I am older than you. McCain troubles me for several reasons.

He was in an affair while his wife was extremely ill. That is strike one.

Strike two is his selection of Sarah Palin for VP. I am unimpressed by anyone this day and age who would model their idea of paleontology on what amounts to the Flintstones.

It is troubling that she would be the one with her finger on the trigger if something were to happen to McCain. I am concerned that a person who feels the need to have witches prayed away and thinks that Jesus will return in her lifetime has her hand on the trigger.

As far as family values go, what is up with a 17-year-old unwed pregnant daughter marrying a high school dropout?

Palin was on an interview program the other day and was saying that she doesn't feel like "elitists" should be in power as opposed to "real Americans" and then shows up with $150,000 worth of new clothes for her and the family.

Taking all these things together makes me feel that their ticket is not the way we as Americans should be headed.

Of course, McCain is to be respected for his service to the country, but his vision of the future is depressingly like what we've had for the past eight years.

-- James Roberts

Anchorage

Examine candidate's character

Like all campaigns, most of each candidate's speeches are half-truths and misleading. So to judge which candidate to vote for, one must examine their character, past and party affiliations. Neither candidate is going to stray too far from his party's beliefs.

Obama is young, intelligent and a very good speaker. McCain is older, experienced and well thought of.

McCain has served many years in Congress and has compiled a record of working on problems and at times working with the other party to find a middle ground. Obama has little experience in Congress and has done nothing notable.

McCain's background in the service has demonstrated courage and devotion to his country. Obama's background is largely unknown but his association with Chicago politics, Rev. Wright and very radical liberal persons is disturbing.

Neither McCain nor Obama will be able to spend the large sums of money on the various projects that they are promoting due to the current economic condition and the deficit.

On social issues, Obama will be the most pro-abortion president ever and I think he will remove all restrictions against abortion as well as select pro-abortion judges. McCain will leave all current restrictions in place.

I would vote for McCain.

-- Kenneth R. Wichorek

Anchorage

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