Dear Editor,

In my opinion, John McCain is running the most dishonorable and sleazy campaign for president ever. He won’t say it to his face, but McCain’s surrogates’ words and their advertising has been filled with smears and lies intent on destroying Barack Obama’s character. At recent rallies, McCain and Sarah Palin supporters have been heard shouting the words “terrorist” “treason” and “kill him” in reference to Obama. This is a direct result of both candidates’ inflammatory rhetoric, and neither McCain nor Palin has said anything to denounce such hateful behavior.

Is this what we want from the next president and vice president of the United States of America, those who inspire hate rather than hope?

In all of Obama’s speeches and statements he has expressed his belief that our country can come together and work for a greater future for all Americans. He inspires hope that we can do better, and he knows we can do it as the greatest nation on Earth. Obama inspires hope that we can overcome our economic troubles, have affordable health care, and use the right strategy for the war on terrorism by proposing specific and detailed plans to help the middle class and to go after those responsible for 9/11. Obama is the personification of the American Dream who came from humble beginnings in a single-parent home and has dedicated his life to public service, and that gives me hope. He inspires hope by just being who he is at this time in history, and the amazing story of his life.

People have a very clear choice on Nov. 4. The question is, will they go with hope or buy into the lies and hate 08?

-Craig Isley, Clanton