Kerry will not neglect the vital national security issue of energy independence, will finish the job in Iraq and rebuild bridges to our allies.

This last part, I believe, is where you may be wrong.

Kerry's solution to energy problems is pretty much the same stuff Carter tried, warmed over. Remember "Synfuels?" The answer to the energy problem is to allow the rising prices to create market solutions. Unlike a lot of people, I don't see rising gasoline prices as a completely bad thing.

Although some enthusiasts of government solutions might think that only mandates are required to bend the laws of physics and the market, it doesn't work. Passing a law that all cars must increase their MPG isn't going to do the job by itself. You will either end up with cars that can't be afforded, or cars that don't do the job people want them to. The market is heading in this direction naturally, with hybrids being the most obvious response. I know plenty of liberals, and a few conspiracy-minded conservatives, who are completely convinced that the only thing keeping us out of a solar-powered, hydrogen-fueled, 80mpg SUV paradise is evil corporations who suppress advances like this.

The market is working. I've been tracking a lot of this technology, and solutions at the technology level are slowly moving into the marketing level. I predict that in 20 years, most cars will by hybrids, and fuel cells will be making real inroads.

In addition, any energy independence solution that does not at least submit for debate both nuclear power and new drilling on American soil isn't a serious one.

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Do you honestly think Kerry will stick it out in Iraq as stubbornly as Bush would? Given his long record of taking the leftist (i.e. America gives in) position on almost every military issue, what do you think is going to change? Will Kerry develop missile defense? Stand up to nations testing our will? Get out or stay out of treaties that don't serve our interests?

Put America ahead of the U.N.?

I know what he says. But what has he done in the Senate for the past twenty years?

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Our allies, Britain, Italy, Australia, Japan, and others are not exactly chopped liver. I'm not sure getting France to pretend to like us again is worth risking our national security.