For those of us who follow public affairs, after the completed primary season, we find ourselves water-logged, soaked to the bone and in overload regarding the informational tsunami we have endured since earlier this year. Is there any among us who are not worn out? And yet in spite of this, nothing seems very clear on the positions of the two major candidates for president.

My hope is that in this election cycle, the candidates would shed double-talk and evasiveness, and focus on some of the most important issues of our time. We need clearly defined policies pertaining to six crucial issues. I would like to see each candidate present easy-to-understand positions on energy dependence, healthcare costs, illegal immigration, national security (especially with respect to the Middle East), the definition of marriage and the right to life. These are monumental concerns that effect citizens every day.

It behooves our nation to come to grips with the vexing aspects of these six issues. I ask, do we really want to abort 4,000 babies per day? Do we want to say marriage can be something other than between a man and a woman? Do we want to remain dependent on Arabian oil?

De we want to continue letting

illegal immigrants pour into

the United States? Do we want an inefficient government-operated health system? And are we going

to have no diplomatic precon-

ditions for tyrants to engage our diplomats?

Millions will decide how to vote based on charisma, clever marketing and overall image, and also on negative ads. Glitter and technique will likely obscure addressing issues.

The voting public should demand clear policy positions, from each candidate, to these six issuing facing America.

Perry A. Klopfenstein

Gridley