Election Day is drawing closer, and many people are still pondering about which candidate can accomplish more for the country.

To those voters still searching for a political compass to point the way, consider a question raised at the second presidential debate in Nashville, Tenn.

A 78-year-old woman, and child of the Depression era, introduced by Tom Brokaw as “Fiora from Chicago,” asked, “Since World War II, we have never been asked to sacrifice anything to help our country, except the blood of our heroic men and women. As president, what sacrifices will you ask every American to make to help restore the American dream and to get out of the economic morass that we are now in?”

After answering the question to television audiences, senators Barack Obama and John McCain continue making promises of things to come. But if the candidates want the best for the nation, they must be outspoken.

History professor David Kyvig said in the world wars, the U.S. government controlled commodities. Even when gasoline and food were not scarce, the government issued rations. There was a sense of importance in financing the war effort. According to the Ames Historical Society, about 15 different commodities were rationed during World War II. People were encouraged to reduce their consumption in general. Today, sacrifice doesn’t seem to hold as much respect.

“World War II transformed the income tax,” Kyvig said. “Prior to the war, mainly the upper class accounted for the income tax.”

Kyvig explained the income tax was broadened to cover the working population so money could be raised for the war effort and taken away from purchasing consumer goods.

“The government hardly acknowledged the thought to raise taxes for our current war,” Kyvig said. “This was largely so the administration would have more freedom in their conduct.”

If undecided voters review the war effort of the past eight years, they might find the right candidate.

A continuing war effort combined with and an unstable economy means Americans will have to make sacrifices, no matter who becomes president.

Look for the candidate who addresses the country’s current problems and does not make lofty promises. If voters ask which candidate gives a realistic depiction of their potential time in office, their political compass will point them in the right direction.