I care about many political issues and they all play some part in my decision this election. During this historic and long presidential race, however, the primary matter that will guide my vote is the war in Iraq. It is my view that the way the Iraq war was promoted and handled has considerably damaged America’s great promise, and our military families and the Iraqi people have paid a tragic price. The message this election could send to our future leaders and to the world would go a long way towards redemption.

The congressional leaders who authorized military action and the president who waged the war ignored a rousing chorus of caution and wisdom, a chorus that included the voices of nearly all Christian denominations, numerous military experts and millions of ordinary citizens. If through our voting an even more vigorous chorus tells the world and future Americans, “This war was wrong,” we have hope for wisdom, sanity and integrity to prevail over greed, political expediency or fear mongering. I believe this message is critical for our safety and well being as Americans and world citizens. I believe it is vital for our souls.