McCain-Palin the better ticket

H.R. "Bob" Taylor Albemarle County
Published: September 19, 2008

Every four years we Americans elect a person to lead our great nation and to help defend and champion the free world.

The American presidency is arguably the most important political job on the planet. Our commander-in-chief must be decisive while possessing the core values of all successful leaders, especially character, courage and, if possible, executive experience.

As a military historian, small business owner, U.S. Army veteran and former police officer, teacher, coach and athletic director, I know that the most accomplished leaders value and apply the knowledge gained from having made many tough, often critical decisions. Exceptional leaders actually lead; they do not vote “present.”
In the inspirational words of Knute Rockne, the legendary 1920s Notre Dame football coach: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” We almost intuitively know who “the tough” are in this election.

Whether as a heroic, combat-decorated aviator commanding our Navy’s largest wartime squadron or as the immensely popular, reform-minded governor of our biggest, most natural resource-laden state, John McCain and Sarah Palin know that experience matters … and we do too!
Let there be no mistake: When defeating global terrorism, achieving energy independence and reviving our economy are paramount, we remember the tough, decision-making presidents of the past. Our greatest chief executives undoubtedly ascribed to President Harry S. Truman’s oft-quoted axiom: “The buck stops here.” For after all, when queried, “It’s above my pay grade” is a disingenuous response not worthy of a U.S. senator or an aspiring head of state.

On Nov. 4 we have a momentous choice. We must choose between substance and style, experience and inexperience. We Americans seem to have a historical penchant for doing the right thing in turbulent times. So, when that curtain closes behind us in the voting booth, let’s choose substance; let’s choose experience; let’s choose McCain-Palin.