Editor, Gazette-Journal:

In my lifetime, I cannot recall a presidential election that was as important to the future of this country as the one this November. Mr. Obama and his party were given the opportunity to, in his words, bring us together as a people, be the most transparent administration ever, and fundamentally change America. Instead, he has divided us more than ever with his class warfare and his racial/social division tactics. There has been absolutely zero transparency in this administration where legislation is passed before being read and laws bypassed to suit his agenda. We are trillions of dollars more in debt with nothing to show for it but a failing economy that will not survive another four years of his irresponsible spending.

Fundamental change, it turns out, appears to be a path to a socialist welfare state, which is something I am convinced is his goal for this country. Democrats can cry foul all they want, but Mr. Obama is more about socialism than he is about a Democratic republic—read his book. He has been more concerned about amnesty for illegal aliens in order to gain more Democratic votes, than for creating jobs for U.S. citizens. His foreign policies in the Middle East have been a total failure while he pays lip service to our one ally in the region, Israel. He appears to bow to the feelings of Islam while turning his back on Christians. He has weakened our military and weakened our image of strength and dependability throughout the world. Even when he and his party were in complete control, they didn’t pass a budget and some still think he deserves another chance.

Wake up people, this is no game! During this administration, there has been more talk that is anti-flag, anti-God, anti-free speech, anti-Second Amendment, anti-prayer and anti-Constitution than ever before. The very values that make this country great are under attack from a radical left wing, socialist progressive liberal administration and, if allowed to continue, will lead to nothing short of the destruction of our way of life.

In my view, a vote for Mr. Obama is not a vote for America, but rather a vote against what makes us great and free. Mr. Obama had his chance and totally blew it. Let’s give Mr. Romney a chance, and if he fails we will throw him out in 2016.

Paul Willaford

Saluda, Va.