To the Editor:

A friend recently asked me if I could give her a short answer to a question and I, without thinking, said yes.  The question was ... “Who should I vote for in November for President?”

 I stared at her in disbelief earnestly wishing she’d asked for a short answer to the meaning of life instead. Not having a short (or a long) answer readily available, I have been contemplating the question off and on ever since.

It appears our two major parties have burdened us with candidates few of us like  and consequently we’re apt to awake Nov. 9 believing we’ve elected as President the most corrupt politician on the planet or our country’s most recognizable buffoon.

I was born a Republican, but the Grand Old Party left me eons ago and for many election cycles I’ve been registered “Independent” or “Unaffiliated.” I believe the character and demeanor of the two major candidates demands my putting that independent spirit into reinvigorated practice this November.

I’m going to study the alternative candidates far more carefully than usual and try and determine if perhaps one of them isn’t better qualified and more closely aligned with the temperament, attributes and distinguishing characteristics of the leader I think this great and wonderful nation needs and deserves.

David L. Snell

Franklin