Lots for a new president to do

What leads to that conclusion are the economic good times, no imminent signs of war in the world and a society facing few if any pressing tensions. But a deeper examination of the world leads to a different -- and correct -- conclusion:

* Russia is imploding, almost literally, as infrastructures from the Soviet days collapse under the sea (the wrecked submarine) and in the skies (the burning tower in Moscow). The next president will have to decide how the U.S. will respond to the rapid rusting of a nuclear power.

* President Clinton's visit to Nigeria has highlighted Africa's horrific problems, including unstable governments and AIDS. The next president must turn his attention to the Third World, especially if America's economy continues to provide us with the wherewithal to assist those in need in greater and more productive ways.

* In their campaigns for the White House, both Vice President Gore and Gov. Bush have been pointing to unfinished work in large segments of our society, such as health care and education. How those issues will be dealt with -- federal programs, state efforts, privatization, vouchers -- is part of the debate leading up to November 7.

Over the next two months, voters will be tempted to take the easy way out: determining their ballots on the basis of who wears the best clothes, has the most appealing southern accent or seems the most unlike you-know-who. "Do you want to see Bush's smirk for four years?" ask Democrats, while Republicans counter with "Who wants to listen to Gore's lisp for 48 months?"

Those are temptations to facile voting that Americans must avoid. There's work ahead for intelligent voters committed to making their decision on the basis of solid information.

(08-31-00)