Editor:

Voters should heed the Founders' - including Washington's - warnings against "entangling alliances with foreign nations." On the televised debates between VPs and president candidates, I witnessed a giddy scrambling, "Me too, but more so," when it came to foreign policy, instantly defined as "protecting Israel."

McCain essentially said he would commit to spending limitless soldiers, arms, and wealth, permanently, to that notion of foreign policy because, "She's our best ally," etc. Favorite may be a better word. (He did mention Russia. Otherwise, the whole globe was pretty much neglected.)

Obama, I was relieved, seemed to have some reservations about carte blanc commitments to Israel. I question his honesty here, know nothing about what he'd do under pressure, and I doubt he cares for the Founders' ideas.

Also, some say his version of allies may radically differ from the others, including Joe Biden's. If it is fair to go around saying "W" or "Dubya," then it's OK to say Hussein, respectively and respectfully.

I exhort our "keep religion out of government" types to question the evangelical-fundamental-AIPAC entanglements. I'm not convinced Ezekiel, Daniel, Or Revelation are mandates for Christians or Jews to steer North American policies in 2008. The post-1948, secular, socialist, Zionist, state called Israel may have little connection to the pre-70 AD version.

As to any secular, pragmatic value of calling Israel a great ally, I say, "Where's the beef." I know where the pork is. The trade towers fell. USS Liberty was bombed Osama still walks. A common U.S. soldier found Saddam. I tire of the standard, boilerplate answer: "Well, she does gobs of good for us. We just can't say what it is."

Taxation without representation? What would the Sons of Liberty think about the liberty or lifespan of our sons while we entangle them to foreign allies who always say "more" but seldom say "thanks," or, better, "We can take care of ourselves now?"

When saying "national security" we should specify which nation.

DENNIS BROSSMAN, Lander