As we move toward the end of this history-making presidential campaign, voters will be challenged more than ever before. Both candidates will make very bold statements about how they will run the government. They will expound on how they would have done things had they already been in power.

Voters must keep in mind that nothing in the American government is directed or controlled by one person. Every program we now have, in effect, is a result of extensive negotiations in the give-and-take system of trying to please everyone. I would caution you to be very, very wary of unrealistic promises that are made by a candidate who has never sat in the presidential position.

Truthfully, the best promise we could hope for is that a candidate would faithfully serve to the best of his ability to do what is best for America. He should not be influenced by special-interest groups. Every decision should be what is best for all Americans. If America is to survive, we must all work together to restore our independence and maintain our freedom that is being taken for granted by too many people.

Ernie McFerrin

North Augusta, S.C.