Your local library probably has back copies of both papers or you can get them on the Internet. There is no excuse for ignorance -- or for having heard only one side, which is worse.
Words like "strong," "strength" and "stronger" ring out from Senator Kerry on the campaign trail and from his campaign literature and bumper stickers. But how did he vote on military spending during his two decades in the Senate?
Senator Kerry has talked about his time in Vietnam longer than he actually spent in Vietnam. Does his war record more than three decades ago give him lifetime immunity from all questions about military issues? Do those who rely on the mainstream media even know whether his war record is for real?
If a decorated combat veteran must be believed, then why are the many decorated combat veterans who served with Kerry in Vietnam -- and served longer -- not to be believed, or not even have their very different picture of him in Vietnam examined against the facts, instead of being dismissed?
Even Benedict Arnold was an American war hero wounded in combat but that doesn't stop us for criticizing him for what he did later.
Vice President Cheney has had to cast votes breaking ties in the Senate. How did he vote? It's all on the record. Or are you content to know what he says now or what is said about him?
If there was ever a time to stop and think, this is it. Slogans and images are no substitute for knowing what you are talking about -- and knowing what you are doing when you enter the voting booth on election day.