McCain's experience, character make him a better candidate

Editor,

One issue being discussed this presidential election is John McCain's age. McCain is 72 years old. Some people see McCain's age as a negative or even a disqualifying attribute. On the contrary, I see it as a tremendously positive attribute for leading the U.S. There are excellent qualities that come from experience. It is well-known that with time and experience comes clarity of vision. Everyone can look back upon their lives and see the good and bad decisions made. There is a hard-earned knowledge that comes from experiencing life and all that it entails. This is one reason why older people are excellent sources of wisdom on how to live a good life and how to lead a country.

McCain's experience as a son, husband, father, his time in the military and as a prisoner of war, his 26 years in the federal government and his experience with foreign leaders provides him with an excellent source of

knowledge on how to guide America. Aristotle highlighted the value of experience by writing the following: "Men of experience succeed even better than those who have theory without experience." McCain's age allows us to know his character.

To quote Aristotle again: "I say that habit's but long practice, friend, and this becomes men's nature in the end." Good character and good habits are brought about through long and hard-fought battles. From good character flows good decisions. McCain revealed his character as a POW for five years and in his successful work in government for 26 years. He is so respected by people from both parties that Joe Biden once said he would gladly be McCain's vice president.

Contrary to McCain's extensive knowledge and good character, Barack Obama has little experience and is of questionable character. First, Obama has very little experience in national government. He has completed three years as a senator - hence he has much to learn about domestic issues. He has very little foreign policy experience. He traveled the world only after he won the primary. Based on experience alone, with Obama, there is much more risk of mistakes being made on domestic and foreign policy issues.

Obama is also of questionable character. He keeps parts of his past clandestine. He doesn't say where he lived while attending Columbia University, although he admits to using drugs. His old roommate refuses all interviews. For 20 years, he attended the church of Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Wright married Obama and his wife, baptized their children and preached to him for approximately two Sundays every month for 20 years. Obama suddenly did an about-face and repudiated Wright when videos of his controversial sermons were made public. Without commenting on Wright's theology and statements, it is clear that one should not treat a 20-year friend and teacher in such a manner simply to gain something else. The truth is, if Obama was not running for president, he would still be attending the congregation. McCain's extensive experience and good character make him the better person for president.

Benjamin P. Sanchez

UNM alumnus