McCain is qualified

I heartily agree with the Daily Herald endorsement of Sen. John McCain for Republican candidate for President, and most of your reasons for that selection. I'd like to point out another.

While the injuries he suffered during his war-time experiences left him without the ability to raise his hands above his head, that has been replaced by an unparalleled ability to stretch his hands into and across the aisles of our very contentious Congress, as evidenced by his collaborations with the now independent Joe Lieberman, and Democrats as far left as Ted Kennedy. I don't see another candidate from either side who has demonstrated anything approaching his record in this area.

His military service and command experience is another attribute which rounds out his total preparedness for the Presidency, which entails being Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. His hands-on knowledge in this area is also unmatched by the other presidential aspirants.

One of his likely opponents claims presidential credentials based on holding one elected office and decades of "experience," which has consisted of hanging around politics and politicians who were serving. Given this criteria, I should be starting for the Chicago Cubs this spring based on my Little League participation and years in the bleachers of Wrigley Field. There is simply no comparison.

There are many areas where I do not agree with the positions Sen. McCain has taken, but I truly feel that this may be the last chance we voters may have, for a very long time, to cast a ballot for a candidate with such qualifications, experience and courage.

Roger M. Pretzel

Lindenhurst