After watching the Clinton administration for nearly eight years, the presidential debates, "The Choice 2000" on PBS, the stockmarket and the disturbing events in the Middle East, this independent voter has come to a serious conclusion. There is only one issue. America is steeped in uncertainty.

President Clinton is leaving the United States and the world less stable than when he took office. The Middle East, Russia, India, Pakistan, Africa and Columbia are ticking bombs. Wall Street is crumbling, and we are faced with electing one of two people to the planet's most powerful office.

In essence, it comes down to this: Vice President Al Gore, like Bill Clinton, has prepared to become the President of the United States for his entire adult lifetime, most of which was spent in public office. George W. Bush is the son of the former president and he's had his eye on the prize ever since he became the Governor of Texas.

Neither candidate has the qualities and qualifications the highest office demands. And the only difference between them is that Bush is much less obsessed about it than Gore. But when Dick Cheney and people like Colin Powell are added to the presidential equation, the choice for trust and stability is clear.

Indeed, the decisions to be made will effect American lives for a long time.

Daniel B. Jeffs, founder
The Direct Democracy Center