Open Letter to John Kerry,

This Thursday September 30th on the same day that you will debate the current President at the University of Miami on the subject of 'Foreign Policy,' my brother's military unit will be deployed to Iraq.

This is a broad topic that I hope will include the two wars the United States of America are currently fighting. As debates become more about platforms, and less of a real discussion, I ask that you please hold this current president to task on the decisions that he made. Like any other topic to be covered in debates, or by any campaign this is a complex issue, and I appreciate what I have seen as your understanding of such nuance. Still, we are a nation of sound bites, and 30-minute evening news. It is in these parameters that the debate must be won, and hopefully my brother's fate will be made safer.

Last election I worked for the Nader campaign and rally in DC, a decision I am still proud of. All I ask is that you make equally solid stands on the issues, so that a vote for Kerry is not something I do out of exasperation, fear, or pragmatism but instead a vote I cast out of hope for a better, safer, and more peaceful nation.

Thank you for your time,

Laura Craig Mason