To the editor:

In some past elections I’ve voted Republican; in others I’ve voted Democratic. This year I’ve been listening carefully to our two candidates as they have talked on television or sent mail to our home. They both have their flaws. But with the sharp contrast between them I’m asking myself two questions.

1. How much government do we want?

As an independent voter I understand a Democrat is one who wants a federal government that is large enough to care for one another. What I see in Mrs. Clinton is such a desire even though some of her goals will certainly require negotiations. As an independent voter I understand the core of being a Republican is that one wants a small federal government. What I see in Mr. Trump is that he wants the government shrunk down to the size of the president’s office with himself as the czar. In my belief that is not being a Republican. That’s not even being American.

2. Since the president has a finger on the atomic bomb switch, who can I trust in a real crisis?

Trump? His actions and words this past year indicate to me that he responds to contemporary questions with emotional knee-jerk reactions which frequently have to be reversed. His “facts” are not supported by independent researchers.

Clinton?

She evidences more tempered, thought-through perspectives most often supported by economists and other world leaders. America is the leader of the world. In this strange election year my two questions will determine my independent vote. What will determine your vote?

Rev. Robert Langseth

Calumet