I hope the Saudis increase production and oil prices will plummet. I hope the IRS will be abolished. I hope the state will abolish property taxes. I hope the federal government and the state of Alaska will abide by the Constitution. I hope the Muslims become loving and friendly. I hope the economy will enjoy free-market capitalism and competitiveness. I hope the Federal Reserve will vanish, and gold and silver will become that standard.

I hope China starts buying our junk. I hope we will collect tariffs and fees to pay for a limited government. I hope power will return to the people. I hope politicians will keep their promises. I hope war will cease, and I hope love will break out across the world. I hope we can all just get along. Kumbaya, Kumbaya.

Of course, there is wishful thinking and there is reality. Which is worse, hoping and wishing that things will change when they will not, or accepting the fact that they cannot?

The reality of politics is that the candidates know what we want. They put their political finger in the wind and then get out in front of the crowds, crying, "I sense your need and know your pain. Follow me!" They also know Americans are gullible and pliable, quick to forgive and quicker to forget. Nothing is going to change until we change the kind of man in the White House.

So again, the question. Do I become cynical for believing that things will not change? Better to be a cynic than a wishful deluded dreamer. At least a cynic, though he be frustrated, has a grasp of reality. It would seem then that only a coward would avoid the inevitable by refusing to acknowledge the reality of the threats ahead; or, if acknowledging, finds comfort and security in the promises of a pleasing political personality. I've made it my life's ambition to dislike, doubt and be suspicious of all politicians. The only reason I am voting for John McCain is that he is a highly trained ex-fighter pilot. His training was based on a simple principle: shoot before being shot. One does not forget applied training forged in combat!

Be aware that under the guise of political rhetoric and glad-handing, his thinking is that of a realist who will dispose of the threat before it can do great harm. If his military mind compels his presidential decision making, he will shoot down those things that threaten himself and his fellow Americans before they can do great harm.

Does John McCain pose a threat? Yes, he does. He poses a threat to wishful dreamers who don't have the steely nerve to acknowledge the reality of the threat and shoot first. I'm voting for John McCain because he alone, of all the candidates, believes in kill or be killed.

Go get 'em John! Lock on target fire!

Norman Olson

Nikiski