To the editor:

One of our most revered presidents, Theodore Roosevelt, spoke the following words in a speech he made 126 years ago, I quote:

“In private life there are few beings more obnoxious than the man who is always loudly boasting, and if the boaster is not prepared to back up his words, his position becomes absolutely contemptible. So it is with a nation, it is both foolish and undignified to indulge in self-glorification and, above all, is loose-tongued denuncification of other people. Whenever on any point we come in contact with a foreign power I hope that we always strive to speak courteously and respectfully of that foreign power.”

President Roosevelt’s father had taught him to always be fair in dealing with others, always be honest and, above all, always be honorable.

My dad taught me, “If you don’t have anything good to say about a person, don’t say anything.”

In our present political climate it’s in complete opposition to the above advice. I can understand pointing out failures of your opponent, but lying and name calling is absolutely contemptible.

Please vote in the interest of Kansas and please vote respectfully.

Jim Hayden

Great Bend