01:00 AM EST on Sunday, November 28, 2004

I'm concerned about my country. The election tells me that the nation can no longer distinguish between truth and deception.

How else does a draft dodger convince us that his opponent's honorable service is compromised by his equally honorable testimony about that service? How is selfless bravery confused with opportunistic cowardice? And how does minimum effort replace going the extra mile?

How is nuanced intelligence overcome by stubborn mediocrity? How does trickle-down class nepotism take the place of noblesse oblige? How can wartime gain be weighed against the human costs?

How does "old-time" religious fervor win its case over "Thou shalt not kill" or "Thou shalt not bear false witness"?

How can short-term conspicuous greed replace long-term fiscal responsibility?

How is a free press diverted with the sleight-of-hand of assumed moral superiority? How does the boastful religion of predetermination replace religious and philosophical freedom?

How does jingoistic patriotism replace careful alliance building?

It seems the Big Lie has won the battle over truth and common sense for the nation's loyalty. What further dishonor will the next four years wring from the great deception?

BILL CARPENTER

Cranston