Where are the independents around here? For the entire school year I have read nothing but back and forth right-wing and left-wing rhetoric which, in today's society, probably represents a minority. Right now we are in primary season, and in many states independents are not allowed to vote. But come this fall, with presidential campaigns in full swing, I wonder if the candidates and their supporters will realize the impact independent voters will have. If the last election was any indication of how close the contest can be, then we will be in for a very interesting election season.

I will take myself as an example. I can't seem to find a candidate whom I feel comfortable supporting. Here are my views. What candidate can I support with these views and opinions? How many of you feel torn like I do? What candidate or political party really represents you?

I was for the war in Afghanistan based on Sept. 11, but hesitant to invade Iraq without strong international support. President Bush can recite all the countries who are helping us, but that will not change my opinion that we went into this war alone. However, I do support the troops. Many of them are friends of mine and are in harm's way daily, which is why I support military spending.

I can't stand budget deficits. I am sick of big government, and there are many programs that I think are a waste of money. I would like to see Social Security taken care of and Medicare reformed. I would also like to see more welfare reform and definitely education reform.

I am in favor of border control, including placing military on the border. While this may not be the most popular action, I don't think letting undocumented people into our country is the best course of action. To be fair, I would like to see the Immigration and Naturalization Service overhauled in order to expedite the process of getting a visa, and I would also welcome those applying for work visas.

I want to vote for a candidate who is pro-choice but willing to keep the status quo. I want a candidate who isn't going to rock the boat on this one too much. I would rather not overturn Roe v. Wade, and I also don't want to allow late term abortions.

Taxes are too high. I think a tax cut for the lowest 75 percent of Americans is in order. This, of course, needs to go along with cutting spending and a balanced budget.

I hope someday to see a free trade agreement between the countries of North, Central and South America. This won't happen if the United States continues spending millions on farm subsidies that hurt Third World countries and the middle and lower classes of Latin American countries. What candidate has this on their agenda?

I want to vote for a candidate in favor of giving gay "married" couples the same right as heterosexual couples. It is their right. Why doesn't anyone propose a change in the wording of the laws? Legal papers should describe couples as "civil unions" whether they are heterosexual, homosexual or XYZ-sexual. "Marriage" can then be limited to those who believe in a religion in which it is recognized as a sacrament. So, in a few years, I would file my taxes and check the box that says "civil union filling separately" and describe myself to my coworkers as a happily married man. I don't think that is a big deal, do you?

All in all, those are just some of the views I have, and I can't find a candidate to fully support and/or trust. So here is a challenge to the College Republicans and Democrats. Since your parties dominate this country, instead of bickering amongst yourselves, open up to independents. Give people like me a reason to vote for your candidate, but don't tell me just because the other one "sucks." Your candidate "sucks" too. I want to vote for the least "sucky" of them all. Remember 2000 — one vote can make a difference.

Palacios is a junior international business, marketing and Spanish major.