Defining the big issue

Much of this election year's rhetoric has been about Iraq, terrorism, and the economy. Understandably, Americans may think the importance of their vote stops at the water's edge of these issues. They would be wrong. The stakes are much higher.

This election is also about choosing between two overarching philosophies: Should individuals be free to choose and be responsible for their own actions, or should these liberties be the role of government? This is a big one. The stakes are high. One side will lose.

How do you vote for a workable solution to the social security timebomb when neither candidate is proposing one?