Change is the theme of this election year. The politicians suggest that their definition of change is to make life better for the average American. So exactly what are the changes that are being proposed?

A check of Barack Obama's web site provides some insight and clarity. He wants to provide lower health care costs, a better economy that will provide more jobs, higher wages, lower taxes, cheaper loans, and lower interest rates for credit card debt. He also wants to raise the minimum wage, increase paid leave from work programs, expand the family medical leave plan, convince companies to adopt flexible work and telecommuting programs, improve our schools and a host of other issues that will effectively increase our security and economic well-being. One has to like his suggestion to cut taxes by $1000 for each working family. It looks like there is something there for everyone. He states that rich individuals and corporations need to pay more in taxes to finance these initiatives. He obviously wants to end the war in Iraq.

I want higher wages and lower taxes - doesn't everyone? Can we have both? The income tax tables appear to suggest that the more one earns the higher the taxes. I too would like to see the war end quickly and have our soldiers return home to the loving arms of their families.

Why has it taken so long for a politician to envision these changes - or has this same vision been communicated to Americans in the past?

What about Clinton? Does she have a different vision for change? I checked her site and while it is seems to be formatted better, it repeats most of the same themes.

What about McCain? Perhaps he has something different. Nope, the same themes apply although an examination showed that there is considerably more detail or at least more words about his plans than in the others.

So what is the difference? I'm for virtually everything that each of these Presidential candidates is suggesting. However, like the old adage "the devil is in the details."

I see the two Democratic candidates suggesting that government is best equipped to oversee, direct and control their proposals and hence make our lives better. McCain seems to be saying that he will provide support from the government to help us to make our own decisions to better our lives.

Anyone who follows politics should be familiar with the health care plans of Clinton and Obama. But what about McCain? He has a host of initiatives to encourage health care efficiencies, but the most attractive would seem to be the $5000 tax credit for families to be able to afford health insurance. He also states he believes in personal responsibility. That is definitely different as Clinton and Obama seem to be saying that health care is a government responsibility. I guess a fundamental question for anyone thinking about the issue is - do I want the government to be responsible for my health care or would I feel more comfortable by being in control?

The war in Iraq is also an issue that demands voter attention. Obama says it was a mistake and we should leave as soon as possible. I'm uncertain about what happens in the world and more importantly in America if we withdraw immediately. I sure hope it means we will never have to return to Iraq and that there will be some stability in the region to enable us to continue to purchase the oil which is the lifeline of our economy.

Clinton is a bit more measured in her outlook upon the war. While she states that she wants to begin a withdrawal, her timing for that event appears undefined.

Finally, McCain suggests the stability in the middle east is dependent upon the establishment of a stable government in Iraq and that any immediate withdrawal would spell disaster for America.

The more I examine the issues and the candidates the more troubled I become. I know they cannot possibly do all they promise. I guess my vote hinges on which candidate is providing the most honest appraisal of what is possible and which can apply good judgment, is addressing the realities of life in the most honest and forthright in manner.

On the domestic front perhaps one's vote is based on how confident they are in their own abilities to carve out a secure economic niche. In the foreign affairs arena, a voter must rely on the judgment of the President and the advisors who are sworn to protect our nation.

Clearly, my selection for President is . . . . What do you think?