Letter to President Candidates

July 22 , 2008

Dear Senator McCain

As the November election approaches , the political , economic and social values of American voters will grow stronger and those who hold them will grow more passionate and vocal . Because some of these values conflict , you will not have any easy time addressing every American 's concerns . Yet , if you are chosen as the nation 's leader , it will be your duty to represent the values of your countrymen . It will also be your job to find common ground for the American people to stand on . As

br Americans cast their votes , they will want to know that you understand and care about their values . Therefore , I hope you will take the following analysis of American values to heart

American values are as diverse as America 's people . America 's original traditional and modern values have many similarities and many differences . Originally , Americans valued unity , defense of their fellows , loyalty , liberty , life and equality . These things are evinced by some of America 's founding documents , including the Declaration of Independence , which highlights the importance of life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness . Traditionally , Americans value these things , along with God , justice and nationalism . This is evinced by America 's Pledge of Allegiance , under which Americans swear to be loyal to their country which is one nation , under god ' and indivisible ' They voice that they believe in liberty and justice for all

Meanwhile , America 's oath of citizenship shows the importance Americans have traditionally placed on national defense and bearing arms

Contemporary values or , at least , the contemporary values of some Americans are quite different . Many now place more importance on values such as diversity than they do on bearing arms . Most place a great deal of emphasis in the freedom of expression . High school and college students exercise this right daily , on articles of clothing , tattoos piercings , and art or school projects . Adults and teenagers alike express their political and social views without fear of retribution The media actively criticizes the policies of its own government , and is sometimes praised for doing so . This is very different from nations like Iran , where the newss champion their rulers and take their side in each dispute

Americans value love . Indeed , they are obsessed with it . From books , to magazines , to the news , Americans are focused on loving one another , or understanding how love works scientifically . They write advice column after advice column on how to act when one is in love . They fill their movie theaters with romantic films . While many disagree on the definition of love or how to act when one is in love , most Americans seem to enjoy the concept of it . They want to believe in something more than selfishness

Americans also value entertainment . Even Americans who are not well-off will spend money on movies and electronics . With Ipods , High-Definition Televisions , DVDs and Blu-Rays , Radio shows and Television News Multimedia Internet sites , back novels , board games , card games sports games , and video games , Americans...