Since this is a presidential election year Americans throughout the country were tuned into the two political conventions this summer: the Democrats in New York, July 12-17th, and the Republicans in Houston, August 17-20th. They also listened and continue to listen to television and radio political programs, and read magazine newspapers and many other kinds of political matter. If they absorb the information and then decide who will receive their vote, that is good. If they decide before they are well-informed, that is bad. The choice is theirs. They are Americans and have freedom of choice.

Every vote is important. The role of President is the most important elected office in the world.

Bill Clinton and Al Gore are the Democrats' choice for President and Vice President. The Republican is the current President George Bush and his Vice President, Dan Quayle.

Although the office of President of the United States has been the fondest hope of many men, only a few have the qualifications that endow them with tact, diplomacy, judgment, unbiased evaluation of issues that require the President's signature, and the personality to deal with nations of a different culture with fairness, grace and dignity. The position of President of the United States is difficult to assume today in contrast to the requirements of 50 years ago, let alone the early years of the country.

The Democrats did not relax when their convention adjourned on July 17th. All of the candidates, especially Bill Clinton and Al Gore, were out running and starting bus tours around the country, speaking and inviting listeners to vote for them.

The Republicans followed the same procedures except unexpected events appeared that interrupted their agenda: starving nations overseas cried for help, and help was given. Then Hurricane Andrew blew in with fury and devastated the southern Gulf states. President Bush and Vice President Quayle pushed campaigns aside to turn their attention to the needs of the homeless in the South. This is the worst disaster that has ever hit the United States. It is the heart-felt concern of all Americans. Clinton and Gore have given attention to the problem but the President is responsible for the welfare of the country. He assumes that pledge in the oath he takes when he becomes President. He is also blamed and praised for what he does and doesn't do according to the personal evaluation of the voters. The job is not an easy one to fill.

When the country was younger the Presidents did not campaign as they do today. They often stayed at home, and few of the voters ever saw them. One of the reasons was lack of transportation and money.

Today, the two political campaigns cost a fortune. The money to pay for both campaigns comes from your pocket and mine. It was the check mark made on your income tax that gave money to support the conventions.

The Democrats were spending $38.6 million, the Republicans $21 million. Those were the estimated figures. It will be sometime before the actual accounting is publicized.

Every item, even to stamps and balloons, is in the estimated account. So the cost of the two convention was more than $49 million; voters who are on relief may wonder if the celebrating and partying was worth it. George Washington and some of the other Presidents who led our country would shake their heads and question our judgment in spending money.

The conventions were fun to watch, and all of us learned things good and bad as a result of giving attention to the speeches, the actions, and unpleasant slandering. Conventions are not strong on being polite to opponents.

For residents of the area who are older and have witnessed other conventions, the two held this summer cap all others in display, expense, slurring remarks and other features. We are all Americans, and we want the same things for our country and ourselves: security, freedom, a chance to work, a clean environment, a place to live and worship.

When you cast your vote two months from now, think before you mark or punch it. America is a wonderful land; let us keep it that way.