My moment to decide

“Once to every time and nation, comes the moment to decide …” We sang those words with great gusto. It was the early 1940s, and our world was exploding with war.

Daily, friends were leaving college to serve their country. Though decades have passed, those words flash again on my mind’s screen. So much hangs in the balance of today’s choices. Morals have eroded during those years, so much that I blush as I watch the news or read today’s best-seller.

Now we are confronted with two primary candidates asking to lead our country, and I am astounded. The principles that guide my life forbid that I vote for either of them based on their lifestyles. Yet the time has come to take a stand for or against. So what do I stand for? Honesty; integrity. Well, I don’t see that in either of them. What must be considered next?

Which candidate is more likely to appoint Supreme Court justices who support my conservative ideas? Which will cooperate better with Congress and listen to the people? Would they secure our borders, welcome strangers who support our democracy and who have no criminal records? Would they be against the death penalty not only for proven murderers, but including the death of innocent fetuses conceived by consensual sex? Would they work seriously to reduce our outrageous national debt, or add more free government programs? Reviewing our tax system should remove loopholes and allow small businesses to survive. Big business and foreign governments should be restricted from influencing our representation. Enough!

Pick up the ballot. Vote. My vote will be for Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence. though Mr. Trump’s personality repels me, I believe they are more likely to promote justices and legislation that reflect my beliefs. What a blessed privilege to vote. It is my moment. AVANELL CONNER

Helena