To the editor:

Thank goodness we are nearing the end of one of the most tedious and disheartening political campaigns in my memory. For those of you who still are paying attention, we are not electing a president. Barack Obama actually will not be on the ballot. Television ad after ad seem to make the point that the only issue of interest to Republican candidates is opposition to the president. Fair enough–but shouldn’t they also be proposing something positive, something useful they intend to do if elected? Huge amounts are being spent on advertising in Kansas, money that could better have been spent helping the millions of displaced persons in our troubled world.

It all begins to seem like a mere farce, but this actually is an extremely important election for Kansans. Please don’t succumb to a sense of futility. If you have the slightest ambivalence about whether your vote is important, grit your teeth and make a stand. Please vote! This election is crucial. Every vote — your vote — is needed. Vote early if possible; otherwise I’ll see you at the polls!