An open letter to the candidates

(CNS) -- The following editorial appeared in the Sept. 16 issue of the St. Cloud Visitor, newspaper of the Diocese of St. Cloud, Minn. It was written by Joe Towalski, editor.

Dear President Bush and Sen. Kerry,

I’ve been thinking a lot about the presidential election. This campaign season seems never-ending, but Election Day is now only six weeks away and I will soon have to make a very difficult decision. I will be thinking about it even more intensely this week since you, Mr. President, are scheduled to make a stop Sept. 16 right here in St. Cloud to talk about your vision for America. And, I wouldn’t be surprised if you, Sen. Kerry, also paid a visit before November. You both have become frequent visitors to Minnesota since your parties have designated it as a crucial "swing state."

Right now, however, I find it difficult to swing into the Republican or Democratic camps. I know both of you are hoping to garner the "Catholic vote," but your parties’ choice of issues on which to court Catholics is limited and selective. I was also dismayed that neither of you has responded to a candidate questionnaire sent by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Casting my vote will be difficult because my vision for America — like the vision of many other Minnesota Catholics — doesn’t always jibe with your ideas.

Here’s what I am looking for:

— A president who has an unwavering commitment to human life — from conception to natural death — and who isn’t afraid to speak out against abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem-cell research and capital punishment.

— A president who generously funds government programs and private faith-based initiatives to lift people out of poverty.

— A leader who advocates tax policies benefiting the poorest Americans instead of the richest, and who pursues economic policies that nurture strong, stable families.

— A commander in chief who is decisive and defends the public from threats at home and abroad, but who will follow just-war theory and resort to war only after exhausting all nonviolent options.

— A president who is committed to a foreign policy that emphasizes cooperation with our allies and holds all nations — not just our enemies — accountable for respecting human rights, including the right to worship freely.

— A leader who pursues trade policies that improve the lives of U.S. workers, including farmers, but not at the expense of worsening the pervasive poverty in developing nations.

— A president who works to keep terrorists out of the country, but who also welcomes immigrants seeking to make a better life for their families.

— A leader who understands that being a good steward of the environment is crucial to the survival of future generations.

— A president who pursues laws giving parents more educational choices.

— A president who advocates for a national policy that extends health care coverage to more of the nation’s 45 million uninsured.

— A leader who relies more on his faith and prayer life to make decisions than on high-powered, highly funded special interest groups. A candidate should never feel he must compromise his faith or personal beliefs in service to the nation.

I know this is a lot to ask, and many would say I shouldn’t expect anyone to be the perfect candidate. I don’t question your personal integrity, but in my opinion both of you fall short on several of the issues.

Maybe I will consider other, lesser-party candidates, even though they have no chance of occupying the Oval Office come January. Or, maybe I will make a less-than-satisfying choice and vote for one of you. In any case, I will have a very difficult decision to make on Nov. 2. I just wanted to let you know how I feel, and I pray that I and others make the right choice. The lives and well-being of many people here and around the world depend on it.

Sincerely,