Our founding fathers declared their independence from the tyranny of King George III of England on July 4, 1776. In 2008, Americans will have to battle to preserve their independence as they move toward a pivotal national election. A new president will be elected on Nov. 4th, 2008, and he will be inaugurated on Jan. 20th, 2009.

Over the next four months, voters will research the two nominees and decide which contender can lead this great republic into the future. While conservatives may disagree with some of John McCain's domestic and foreign policy positions, McCain would at least strive to protect our liberties, our values, and our nation.

On the other hand, if elected in November, Barack Obama would attempt to erode our freedoms, our cherished values, and he'd weaken our democracy. Obama claims to be the candidate of change, empowerment, and new ideas, but apparently he's a business as usual politician. He has morphed "Change we can believe in," into slogans such as "Change that works for you," and "Stronger Together--Faith & Community."

All this from a candidate who disparaged the voters of Pennsylvania, and often seems to think that he is smarter than the rest of us. if he is so intelligent, why all the desperate pandering to every voting bloc? Apparently, elitist Obama is unaware that the best solutions regarding character and prosperity come from individuals and communities, not from socialist mantras, or a cult of the personality.

Indeed, after the primaries Obama is running as fast as he can to the center, and even to the right, in order to appeal to a broader spectrum of voters. It often appears as if he's ashamed of who he is. There is nothing wrong with reaching out to all Americans, and both candidates do it. However, it is more important to reveal a consistent integrity on a few core principles. Philosophical and policy changes ought to evolve by monitoring the aspirations of law abiding Americans, as well as from personal experience, observation, and reflection.

Obama seems to be trying to pull the wool over our eyes by pretending that he is a moderate, a free marketer, and a natural patriot. He now wants to go to Iraq after being MIA in this region for over two and a half years. His move to the center is very clumsy because instead of coming from the heart, it's emerging primarily from expediency.

Examine Obama's actions, words, and votes during the past two decades, and you realize that he wants government control and power over hardworking Americans. This crucial election is not about America and what is best for America, but rather what is best for Obama. His leftist ideals were forged in college, his association with ACORN, and in the political machine of Chicago politics.

Obama's concept of change would be an endless array of government programs that micromanage our lives from the time we are born to the time we die. If you think regulations and taxes are bad now, just wait for an Obama administration. Just wait for skyrocketing taxes and a flurry of stifling regulations. His pie in the sky promises would bring a struggling economy to a screeching halt.

His governing model would be a regression to the failed policies of socialism, yet socialism has been a colossal failure everywhere. With his fancy degrees, one would hope that Obama could absorb the lessons of history since he has spent most of his life in America. Here are some news flashes for the senator.

Americans don't want the government to fight for them except as a last resort regarding individual liberties and national security. They don't yearn for "new" changes that will force them to repeat the mistakes of history. Americans are strong enough to fail, or succeed on their own terms and through their own efforts. They reject Obama's phony definition of empowerment and his misplaced faith in gargantuan government. Empowerment comes from within, not from government agencies, or bureaucratic programs.

Moreover, Obama would attempt to revive the Fairness Doctrine regarding media outlets and free speech. As usual, this coercive doctrine is only fair to liberals, and not to the majority of Americans who are moderate to conservative. A free media shouldn't be controlled by tax dollars, or government dictates.

While Obama desperately tries to convince Americans that he is a moderate, McCain is simply John McCain. His character has been forged through courage and suffering, combined with fifty years of service to the USA. McCain works to bring a bit more discipline and transparency to government. He wants to facilitate prosperity and peace through streamlined government and greater trust in the instincts of the American people.

However, McCain needs to expose the anti-American socialist agenda of Obama at every opportunity. Leading up to the two conventions, and for two months following the conventions, McCain should point out the vast differences between his and Obama's views on liberty and security.

Certainly, McCain needs to discuss his own experiences, his goals, and his qualities for leading America, but he ought to provide a sharp contrast between his vision and that of Obama. McCain should point out to the voters that there is a yawning gulf between what Obama conveniently says now and what his behavior and votes have been during his adult life. In other words, Obama's sudden conversion to mainstream America is insincere because it doesn't come naturally.

Most folks want to enjoy barbecues, the beach, fireworks, parades and picnics this Independence Day weekend. But it certainly couldn't hurt to think about how this great country developed, where it is now, and how America might look in the near future.

If we want to be autonomous in pursuing the American Dream, we must fight to make sure that Sen. McCain wins the election on Nov. 4th. This country was built on freedom and voluntary civic virtues. In order to maintain our democracy as the leader of the free world, we must preserve our liberties by electing representatives that will defend the ideals of universal human freedom.