President Truman fired General MacArthur and lost the war in Korea. Thousands were killed, and American troops are still there almost 60 years later. The media report he was one of our greatest presidents.

Another group of great presidents cost the lives of thousands more and lost the war in Vietnam. Bill Clinton was elected president. The media in this country for 16 years have told us what a fantastic, great, intelligent president he was.

George Bush was elected president. Eight years of attack by the media. We have heard from all adversaries. Investigate Carl Rove and Dick Cheney. Attorneys general fired, Valerie Plame, torture of prisoners, Guantanamo. Lies and failed policies.

The media also believe in the power of advertising. Repeat lies, failed policies and recession often enough and the public believes they are true. Gen. Colin Powell, on "Meet the Press," stated, "The information given to the Congress of the United States, to President Bush and to himself was considered true and accurate at the time."

We look to our media for truth. We want to trust what we read, hear, or see. We want to use this information to form opinions, which determine our actions. We have people saying they heard or saw something on the Internet. Any verification of truth? A columnist declares Palin unqualified to be president. When and where was this information revealed to the columnist?

We need to know where and how much education the candidate has achieved. What is the work experience? What has this person done to provide him/her knowledge from experience to qualify for whatever office the person is seeking? Where did his money come from? Did the person ever have a job in which money was earned? What philosophy will the individual follow to govern?

Then vote. Truth, trust, opinion.

Dick Kiehl

Pinehurst