With the 2008 presidential election being prematurely kicked off, the next November election day when we decide on a finalist seems to be an eternity away. Unfortunately, our minute-to-minute media connection built from out of context sound bites has complicated the process leaving most Americans searching for truth found with great difficulty if it can be determined at all.

Here in Maine, as well as in most other states, our downtowns, once thriving, working communities are being replaced by thrift stores and tattoo parlors as well as a variety of other non essential sales establishments.

Our great country, which was able to shift from civilian, peace-time industrial strength to a full-scale military production force, as it did during World War II, no longer exists. Our new global economy has robbed us of our industrial independence as well as allowing the skills of the worlds finest craftsmen to pass away without being passed on.

We are told affordable housing is a growing issue when, if we look at the real picture, there is plenty of affordable housing if enough living-wage jobs still existed. How can there be affordable health care if we can’t even afford a roof, especially when million dollar settlements are being awarded for spilling hot coffee on oneself because there was no label proclaiming coffee is hot?

Perhaps people needing health care should now wear T-shirts that read, Diagnose at Your Own Risk.

Obesity is rampant as well as depression. Our nation has become so indoctrinated in fear since Sept. 11, 2001, by the words of those who should have been telling us to fear not, we’ve become paranoid to the point our children can no longer go outdoors and play.

The idea that America should become a service-oriented country has proved to be a mistake we are paying heavily for today. We’re now at a crossroad, looking for a leader with the bigger-than-life stature needed to be able to reverse the damage which is displayed in every downtown in America. We need a leader who will state: America will become the world’s industrial superpower once again. As November 2008 approaches, the changes our great country must make can only take place if we are willing to take a real, honest look at ourselves.

Our news media in all of its incarnations must be as factual as proven history. Ethical capitalism? A good day’s work for a living wage? Lofty ideals perhaps, but ideals we absolutely must pursue.

Carson Wood lives in Westbrook.