I attended the John McCain rally, which honored him at the Maine Military Museum in South Portland on July 21. As he greeted the crowd, I was very close to him. I saw many scars and evidence that this man was beaten and tortured. His jaw and arms are misshapen, and I saw three scars on his face and neck alone.

A qualification to be president? You might say no.

But knowing that he chose to remain imprisoned, instead of leaving his torturers until his last man was freed, does. Who would hate war more than someone who was imprisoned and tortured?

Having the moral fiber to stay because it was the right thing to do tells me what kind of man he is. One my children can look up to.

In this age where a teenager's only role models are from MTV, we need examples of morality and patriotism. Because of our success in bringing democracy to Iraq, you can be sure citizens of oppressed countries will begin to fight for the same for themselves.

I'd rather trade with a country than have them follow jihad against us. Osama Bin Laden didn't want to chat with us before deciding to murder our innocent. And Iran doesn't want its citizens to have the life Americans relish in our great country.

We need experience to deal with Iran's threat. Drilling for oil in America prevents funding terrorism with our American dollars. And I plan on being here to use it in five years.

Nancy Tozier

Waterville

fcefxer@yahoo.com