Manitou Messenger

Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Opinions

Media Credit: Andy Rollins

Sen. Barack Obama has a clearer and more responsible vision for this country's safety. He provides a comprehensive homeland security plan on his website, identifying support for first responders, emergency preparedness and strategic allocation of homeland security dollars. Additionally, he lists as his top priority the security of infrastructure, transit systems, rail lines, ports and chemical and nuclear plants.

Obama has a consistent record of supporting these national security components. For example, he introduced to the Senate an amendment to increase risk-based funding in the 9/11 Commission. an action supported by former commissioners of the bill as well as the non-profit organization Families of September 11.

Obama introduced legislation to allocate $37.5 million to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop technology to detect and respond to biological, chemical and radiological contamination in drinking water systems, legislation which the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed. In addition, Obama proposed legislation to fund the evacuation of individuals with special needs in emergency situations and to create a National Family Locator System to help families locate loved ones after a disaster.

Obama also supports the restoration of habeas corpus, a right which allows prisoners to ask a court to determine whether they are being lawfully imprisoned. Sen. John McCain openly denounces habeas corpus on his website.

McCain's website says, "John McCain is more concerned with protecting the American people from future terrorist attacks, by killing … those who commit them." His solution doesn't root itself in sound implementation of the law - rather, McCain says to just kill 'em. This alone makes me seriously question his judgment.

When it comes to highly complex and dangerous situations, the candidate's judgment must be considered. McCain makes rash decisions (Sarah Palin, anyone?), and I don't trust him to keep in mind the best interests of the nation or the global community.

Barack Obama has a responsible strategy and sound judgment to keep our country safe. He has my proud vote, and I hope he has yours too.

Caroline Nitz '11 is from Northfield, Minn. She majors in English with a concentration in media studies.

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