To The Editor: Pundits warn us of a nasty presidential election campaign to come. The nasty stuff has begun even between fellow Republican wannabes. And, the Democratic National Committee has wasted no time spinning like mad as they attack the presumptive (for now) GOP candidate Mitt Romney. The spinning, distortions, out of context sound bites, outright deceptions and lies will intensify as millions are spent on attack ads designed to manipulate undecided Dems, GOP and independent voters. Mr. Obama’s “accomplishments” will be exaggerated to a fair-thee-well by the DNC and its fellow travelers, while being trashed for lack of them by the RNC and its hangers-on. Both parties must have a low opinion of voters. Does anyone still believe that these folks are in the race from a burning desire to help their fellow Americans? By the time it is over, cynicism will have taken on a darkly potent meaning and be embraced casually by most political operatives. That is, political strategists. Some seem no more than paid partisan liars. This election represents freedom of choice in a world where more and more choices may be slipping away from us toward the federal government. Whether you favor big government to the nanny-state extent or small(er) government, there are two parties eager to shake your hand and promise you almost anything, if it will help them get elected and grasp the reins of power. For boiled down, that is precisely what it is all about: political power to them at least. To the electorate, who will exercise one precious freedom to choose come November, it means many things but basically I see it as a choice between two kinds of America. One where self-reliance is championed along with personal responsibility. Where the free market system is allowed to function without undo interference from government, bringing about a robust economy, which not only can diminish the nation’s’ debt but care for those unable to care for themselves with generous help direct from the private sector not only government bureaucracies and programs. Or, we can choose to embrace increased government intrusion into our lives: making choices for us and “taking care” of us via an expanded (and economically unsustainable) entitlement state. This America will face continued staggering debt and failed government programs to create jobs, making bad investments, e.g., in “green” technology. Such investments made by the private sector to the extent they are worthy. We hear talk about differing ideologies between the two parties. I see them as different pathways to power. On one side there’s: Let us take care of you, reduce life’s risks by regulating everything in sight, and give you some security that you will have successful outcomes for your efforts through government subsidies and income redistribution. The other side purports to embrace more freedom of choice for citizens, the free market system, equality of opportunity (but not outcomes) and belief that the private sector is the essential creator of a robust economy and jobs, not government. Here, risk is a natural part of life, which individuals manage by making good choices for themselves. That’s what the GOP claims. What either one does as they pursue their pathway to power is quite another matter. Can we trust them as they seek power? I favor freedom of choice. The “government-will-take-care-of-you” crowd’s alluring message, is not only economically unsustainable but aimed at more control of our lives and consolidation of political power in Washington, much less freedom of choice for individuals, plus a national debt which exceeds our GDP. Not to mention the possibility of a second-term lame-duck president willing to bypass Congress, if he doesn’t get his way, thumbing his nose at the checks and balances of power the visionary founders wrote into the Constitution. I won’t help him do that even if the GOP alternatives are less than inspiring. BOB LOVELL Court House