I feel compelled to respond to the (letter to the editor) ("Why I will not vote for Barack Obama," Sept. 10) by Pastor Randy Leskovar stating that he will not be voting for Barack Obama because "he is pro-choice and believes in Roe vs. Wade."

I respect Pastor Leskovar's right to be against pro-choice for women. He voices his outrage against pro-choice by stating this results in "the killing of the most vulnerable in our society." However, what I find puzzling is that if indeed he finds life so sacred and is so outraged by pro-choice, how can he reconcile his views of sanctity of life when over 4,000 American deaths have occured in Iraq since the war began?

There have been over 30,000 Americans wounded (this is the official government number but it is believed to be much higher) let alone the horrific Iraqi death toll estimated at over 1 million (the government does not keep an accurate number).

McCain vows to continue this war. His feelings are so strong on this he has stated he would rather lose the election than lose the war.

You stated that as a Christian and a pastor, you believe that government should make decisions that are in the best interest of the people it represents. This I also believe. I strongly believe in the separation of church and state and resent the implication that to be a thoughtful and moral person you must be a Christian.

As a decent human being I believe we must support a real change in direction for this country. I have had the privilege to travel in Asia, Australia and Africa over the past three years. I have been questioned everywhere I have traveled about the war and our government. The people I encountered on my travels were strongly against the war and George Bush. I plan to support Barack Obama as I feel he is our best hope for a significant change in direction for this country. The world is watching us.

Vickey Schroeder

West Seattle