Thank you for not judging someone you do not know. I do know Tom, and I beleive that he is a good man with good moral character. I do not pretend to know what is in his heart, or exactly why he has agreed to run for office, but I do believe that the comment of “using his son as a stepping stone” is way off base, and heartless. I believe that Tom Manion is a Patriot and a man who is willing to sacrifice to serve his country. If anything, our incumbent Congressman, Patrick Murphy, has used his very limited military “experience” as the stepping stone to his office. Perhaps Tom believes that our mission in Iraq is correct, even if entry was made without all of the facts. Saddam was a terrorist, a mass murderer and vowed to attack the U.S.A. So did we do wrong to stop his killings against Iraqi citizens? Did we do wrong to take the first action against an avowed terrorist? Or should we have waited until we actually had another 9-1-1? I think not.

It would be an absolute disservice to the many young Americans who served with honor – to now cut and run, because it is politically popular to do so. Not because many have already died there. But because their mission was right, and it still is, and to leave it half finished WOULD mean they died in vain.

I for one respect Tom Manion, not for his political work, but for his lifes work. I also believe that with his combination of public and private sector service and experience, he is considerably more qualified than our incumbent congressman.

I hope he represents me in congress after teh next election.

Bob Bender
Chalfont, PA.