Butler Eagle readers deserve praise for becoming actively involved in the 2004 presidential campaign process by contributing their views about the upcoming election and candidates to the letters to the editor column. The letters displayed passion about the various issues - a passion that hopefully will spark one of Butler County's highest-ever voter turnouts.

Throughout the past weeks, the Eagle has attempted to print all letters that could be verified as having been written by the person whose name was attached to the letter. In a number of instances, that was not possible and, thus, the letters were not published.

It is a policy of this newspaper to allow a cooling-off period for election letter writers and to avoid the appearance of giving either side in any contest what might be perceived as "the last word." In addition to a desire to print all viewpoints, avoiding "last word" perceptions is also part of the Eagle's effort to be fair.

The bottom line to the letters debate is that people of Butler County are very polarized in their opinions about who would best serve the nation over the next four years, incumbent George W. Bush or his Democratic challenger, Sen. John Kerry. Not very much middle ground was exhibited.

Two years ago, based on the feelings being projected in the country, Bush would have seemed to be destined for a second term without a serious challenge. However, serious differences of opinion that have evolved in the country regarding the war in Iraq, the conduct of the war on terror, and the national economy - which letters in the Eagle have aptly shown are as intense here as elsewhere across the land - have made the possibility of a Bush landslide victory seem very unlikely.

In fact, polls indicate at this time that either candidate could be victorious.

The next 18 days are going to be very interesting as the two candidates, having completed their three nationally televised debates, maneuver their candidacies through the stretch run to the Nov. 2 balloting.

To the credit of Butler County letter writers, they discussed the issues from divergent vantage points and, many of them, with plenty of what they perceived as supporting evidence. And, also to writers' credit, the letters weren't mere repeats to what had already been said. They gave readers a reason to want to read them - and there is ample evidence that readers responded.

The volume of letters received gave proof of that.

Unfortunately, the one negative aspect of some of the letters was the vitriol and hatred that those letters projected in regard to Bush or Kerry, and even toward their running mates - vitriol and hatred expressed on the national scene as well. Rather than providing such negative impressions, those letters might have been more helpful in swaying undecided voters if they had focused on the specific positions of the candidates regarding important issues.

However, despite that negative, the letters dialogue has been a refreshing example of voter interest that cannot be downplayed. If it helps achieve one of the longest-voting-lines elections in Butler County history, the writers' efforts will have been well worth the exercise.

It has been a long time since an election has spawned interest and debate here comparable to what has been seen in Campaign 2004. But it is not too early to remind voters here and elsewhere that, regardless of who is victorious, the nation must rally behind their president. The politicking must be tucked away until the next campaign begins.

America's strength is built upon the loyalty of its people. Diversity of opinion and questioning of actions can continue; that's healthy. However, America must remain one in terms of its overall goals of peace, prosperity and opportunity.

Eagle readers performed a genuine, praiseworthy service by making their opinions available to others. In the months and years ahead, they must show similar leadership in promoting a nation of solid purpose, not only for within its borders, but in regard to the nation's dealings with others.

- J.R.K.