Slick politicians are always a problem. Some even earn nicknames for their expertise. But there has never been a time in America where "nuanced" political stands are more dangerous to our country than now. Pre 9/11 domestic arguments could perhaps be indulged in as political sport and framed with paradox and contradiction, but an uncertain message sent to our allies and enemies will do nothing but undermine America's national security and hopes for freedom and peace.

 Any talk that allows our enemies to question American resolve is dangerous and foolish and could bring disaster. Our future hangs on our President's character and convictions.

 President George Bush is a man who means what he says and says what he means. His connection between words and deeds has been a powerful tool essential to the defeat of terrorism. Our enemies now believe our President's words will be followed by action. Similarly, Ronald Reagan consistently opposed the Soviet system in word and deed and hastened its demise.

 Liberals in the Democrat Party have criticized the administration for the doctrine of preemption, but it was the President's consistency that made Lybia give up its weapons program, made Pakistan our ally and has put other nations on notice that terrorism will have to go. Presumably leftists will be please with this since it was accomplished without firing a shot, but few have actually praised him for it. This could not have happened on their watch. Appeasement and internationalism do not force nations to do what is right.

 Just as the weakness of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton emboldened our enemies, the nuanced internationalism of John Kerry will send a message of equivocation and contradiction, making America less safe and less believable, among friends and enemies alike.

 Someone a long time ago said "let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no.' Everything else comes from evil. "The cost of nuance is more than political wins and losses. The future of America lies in the words of its leader. Senator Kerry's "I'm for it and against it" talk will undermine not only the war on terror and America's national security, and the economy that is dependent on them, if given the chance. I hope he will not be given it. Mr. Kerry is the wrong man for any time, but especially the one that lies immediately ahead.

  John Pendleton