Taverns, as anyone who has ever been in one knows, are wonderful arenas for political debate. A gathering of friends and acquaintances, a couple of pints, and the free flow of information almost necessarily follows. With the presidential election in full cry, we thought we would share some insights from some of our readers and contributors. The following comes to us courtesy of Peter Sackett, who tells us this “debate” took place at one of his favorite haunts in Buffalo, N.Y. and where he was the primary responder.

Let’s welcome our Candidate for President; sorry your opponent chose to stay away from the Truth Center. Let's get to the questions. Remember the rules: straight talk and only the truth.

Question 1: Tell the American people one benefit they have received from the attack on Bagdad in 2003.

A: Silence.

Question 2: Tell the American people what we are going to do about the immigration problem across America.

A. Well, it’s not a national problem, it’s different in each state. A fence makes no sense. Barriers are not what this country is all about. So, these ‘illegal’ workers get paid less; maybe they are taking some jobs from citizens who want them. I don’t know for sure but those guys working on the outside stucco on the house in Tampa in the mid-July probably have a job for life. Same goes for the tomato pickers and the chicken handlers. Employment is bad all across the world, but we are still where everyone yearns to be. I think it will be that way for a long time.

Question 3: Our economy - good or bad?

A. Still amazingly vibrant for those with an education and some expertise. Bad for those without both of these; average for those with only one. High-risk mortgages were just that. The banks preyed where they could; the oversight committees at these lending institutions had the good old American dollar on their minds when they approved these loans. Stimulus packages are great for the politicians. But all of the smart economists will tell you it is nothing more than a waste of money. Recessions happen. Trends never stop repeating themselves. The financial pundits of the world of television, the internet, and the radio have something to yell about for awhile.

Question 4: Bill.

A. I don’t want Bill Clinton’s third term. A woman would be fine for president, and good for us for letting it happen, but this lady is not the one to unite the country. This is Limbaugh’s dream. It is a nightmare for the rest of us.

Question 5: No Child Left Behind.

A. Education is a local issue. Throwing money at it doesn’t help. Teachers know best. Some schools need more money than others. As long as we have systems like the one in Ohio where everything is based upon real estate valuations, you are going to have an unequal distribution of funds to the schools. Want to help your children’s school? Join the PTA and become a room parent.

Question 6: Global warming.

A. Time is running out for this generation of non-believers. We better hope our next group of so-called leaders run Green and stay there.

Question 7: Abortion.

A states rights issue, not a national issue. Let the Supreme Court say it and move on.

Question 8: Ethics in Washington.

A. Not a fair question. But let me say that it is all over the place. Money talks; everything else walks. We need all these power groups telling all the elected officials what is best for their constituents like Dorothy needs a new set of shoes to get home.

Question 9: Terms of Office.

A. I am in favor of a 6-year term for President. One term only. I also believe every political office needs a term limit. Judges should only serve two terms. Most people in this country could not name one person they voted for in an off-year election. Hell, most people don’t vote.

Question 10: Guns.

A. I don’t want one. Some people do. Guns kill. Each state should set the laws for their state. I see no need for a national policy.

Question 11: Space Exploration.

A. We have Mars right here in Washington, DC. Stop already.

Question 12: Estate taxes.

A. Again, let the states do it. The Federal Treasury has to find a different source of income.

Question 13: Revenue Sources; Income Taxes.

A. The current system is not broken. People cheat a lot. Most others try and find a way to do so.

Question 14: Race Relations.

A. If we look back, we are getting better. By 2100, we might have some peace and quiet in all the neighborhoods.

Question 15: Death by choice.

A. Oregon has it right.

Question 16: Technology.

A. Bill Gates and Stephen Jobs would be the best presidents and would be great choices for our generation. Put them in charge.

Question 17: Religion.

A. Everyone knows this is a personal issue. Stop complaining about someone else’s choices. Leave everyone alone. Get the crooks off television. Close down Bob Jones University.

Question 18: That State Flag in South Carolina.

A. Not a local issue. Get that flag down on my first day on the job.

Question 19: Paper or plastic bags.

A. Easy. Paper.

Question 20: Health Care.

A,. We all need it. Simple economics – if everyone needs it, it will not go down in price. Too many have-nots. We have some work to do and we better do it very soon.

Final Question: Why should we vote for you?

A. I am the only one who told you the truth. Thank you and Good Night from the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY.