Kynan: As the father of 3 children, 22, 20. and 14, I totally agree, keep the faith!

Ice: And that is different from Dubya, how?? At least Kerry has a vision, and a plan, and has pledged to look out for the best interests of the whole country, not just a privileged few. If that costs 1% of us the $89 million windfall they got under Dubya, its money well spent.

All you Bush supporters say you love this country. Prove it. Invest in it. Put your money where your mouth is, instead of looking out for number 1! We're all in the same boat, and in case you haven't noticed, we're takin' on water! We're all gonna sink or sail together.

Spun: You're the man!!

Baitrunner: First, give Val a break already, seriously. There is no need to continue to provoke him after you know you have offended him. Name calling is bad enough, and I've had my moments, which by the way I wish to apologize to anyone I may have offended personally. But ethnic shots are out of bounds.

Second, I'm impressed by your fair and balanced assessment of the debate. (Bill O'Reilly, is that you? )

Bill Uconn: Kerry just told you he will not raise taxes on those earning under $200K. Even here, that's not more than one percent of us. If that includes you, mazeltov!(sp?)

I don't believe that is what "global test" means.

He has a plan to cut the Bush deficit in half in four years.

His so-called "weak" foreign policy is preferable to Bush's clearly failed lone-ranger imperialism, which has done nothing to further our war on terrorism, and his domestic policy is hopeful and optimistic, in my opinion.

National Health care may not be THE answer, but it may be at the very least a PART of it. My sincere sympathy on your friend's loss, but this is not, nor will it ever be, Canada. And gasoline there has always been proportionately more expensive; my wife is French-Candian and a great many of her relatives live there.

You're correct, health care is NOT free, but it is worth it; and we can afford it; for everyone; one way or another. Furthermore, we pay for it anyway, one way or another; because when those who do not have insurance seek health care, and receive it, and it goes unpaid for, that drives up the costs for the rest of us; including our insurance premiums. So we're paying for it anyway. We might as well do it right, and get everyone covered and paid for, and try to simultaneously control the costs with Tort Reform, which Kerry just told you he will support.

America deserves better than the miserably failed policies of the last four years, and the incompetence, short sightedness, cronieism, and government by the wealthy for the wealthy, that we have been subjected to by George W. Bush.

Kerry will certainly fund a well conceived, properly undertaken plan; in fact, he will have no choice, since we are already there, and he acknowledges readily that we must finish the job and victoriously.

A National Health care plan does not necessarily equate to socialized medicine. Rather, it may be used to supplement private health care and health care insurance, and to fill the gaps which currently exist. No one should ever HAVE to choose between wages and health care coverage. As for illegals, we pay for it anyway, because again, when it goes unpaid it drives up the costs for the rest of us.

Flag Up- Well said, I agree.

Fishbag: F George W. Bush!! :p

Buck: Once again, I sincerely admire and respect the sum experience of your life, your perspective, and your input.

However, I must respectfully disagree with the conclusions you have drawn, while again acknowledging the experience and perspective from which you have reached them.

I too wish to extend to you my sincerest gratitude for your courageous service to our country, and again, my deepest respect. Regardless of the fact that we may disagree about politics and ideology, I sincerely believe that you are a credit to our country and a shining example of all that is right and good about it.

Regards to all,

Jim