The actions of the U.S. president are important to the welfare of many nations. Some observers consider the current contest for top American leadership to be uninspiring and lackluster. Yet the stakes are high when we consider the domestic and international implications. The next president of the United States will make some momentous decisions. The Supreme Court is a case in point. It is highly probable that either George Bush or Al Gore will have the opportunity to choose three or four new justices for the nine-member court as current justices take long-awaited retirements. The constitutional status of such important issues as abortion and religious freedoms could alter significantly depending on whether the next president appoints conservative or liberal justices. On the international scene the next president will have to decide how to approach China with regard to the security of Taiwan and other important issues such as trade relations. Increasing globalism is another significant world trend. How far will the next president want to push a reluctant American electorate down the road of global economic integration and more free trade? National security is another compelling issue. Will the United States choose to go ahead with a comprehensive missile defense, potentially shielding America from would-be aggressors but alienating European allies and creating deep suspicion from potential enemy nations such as Russia and China? Paul Kennedy sums up the state of affairs as Americans contemplate their choice in the November elections: "... The currents which seem to threaten international turbulence and batter even the well-founded American ship of state are likely to be an unpredictable combination of both old and new security threats ... Currency crises are at least as likely as a Chinese move on Taiwan or India-Pakistan hostilities. "Until the presidential contenders show more signs of knowing how to navigate in rough and uncharted waters, it is hard to be confident that the wayward American flagship will lead us smoothly and safely into safe harbours. The next few years could be stormy ones in world affairs. And the lack of sustained and wise American leadership could easily produce a shipwreck or two" (The Independent on Sunday, "Danger: Giant Countries Are in Hands of Small Men," May 14). America's statehood responsibilities mushroomed during the 20th century-and there is no sign of a letup as we move toward the latter months of the year 2000 and into the next presidency. The job of the chief of state will not get any easier. Of course the president does not act alone, but in concert with the Congress. He also has advisers on many levels. However, when the chips are down, and sudden, risky decisions have to be made, it is to the man in the Oval Office to whom the United States and the world in general look for wise and beneficent leadership. No wonder the apostle Paul asks us to pray for rulers and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Do we fulfill this important obligation? GN