Frankly, we’re tired of the discussion on whether Kerry lied, committed atrocities in Vietnam or was on the river on Christmas Eve or Day. Or if Bush can even make accusations against his opponent’s war record because Bush himself didn’t serve. In fact many say he ran from serving his country.

While Tribune staff can only imagine the horrors of war, and are not military veterans, we have to ask if this topic will help anyone make a decision to determine the best man to lead our country?

Where is the discussion about affordable health care, job creation, prescription drug options, education standards &045; all topics more relevant to the American people than what happened more than 30 years ago.

Does anyone care about Kerry’s war record? Well, yes, in fact, there are people who care. Those who served with him and claim he is lying. The Bush camp cares, because they think it somehow makes the president look better. But do the people who matter the most &045; the voters &045; really care? We don’t think so.

Some people would argue that if Kerry is speaking untruths, and he did horrible things during war, that he is unfit to lead the country. Although we aren’t ready to endorse a presidential candidate, let’s face it, all this is in the past. Who doesn’t have regrets about things we did when we were young?

All this talk about who served where, when and if, serves more as a smoke screen to avoid talking about how either candidate will make our lives better now than before.

Voters must demand a departure from this discussion of past behavior and hold both candidates accountable for what they will do in the future.