LetterstothePresident

Don't Support the Auto Company Bailouts!

Well, voters have spoken, and the Republicans have lost the presidency and more seats in the House and Senate! The economic recession and stock market fall sealed the fate of McCain and Palin. Ironically, the progress in Iraq worked to Republican disadvantage; it made the economy an even greater issue. No one truly expected Obama to withdraw from Iraq too quickly, and his position on taking it to terrorists in Afghanistan helped him show enough strength to prevail.

Now, it’s clear that conservative talk radio is not enough! Too many in America have forgotten the principles that make America Great. I hope, in your retirement, that you join us in doing a better job of educating America on what we stand for. Newt Gingrich said of Reagan, “He wasn’t just a great communicator. He was a great educator.” In short, he explained in stories and examples why Republican principles were important. With our citizens today, they have a short attention span, a constant need to be entertained and an inability to look at anything in depth. We must take that on by using the Internet and public forums to do a better job of selling what truly makes America great. At my YouTube channel, DrTerryP, I have started to collect a series of short videos on the principles that define us as Republicans. Too many believe their optimism comes from bigger government they’ve stopped believing in themselves. We will never be great waiting in line for bailouts from Washington! But your actions make me question your commitment to free markets.

This letter may be too late to make a difference, but I am absolutely AGAINST any bailout of the American auto industry. They have a failed model and inflated costs, and they deserve to fail. Let them file for bankruptcy like the airlines. They will come out with lower employee costs and focus on adding value where they can succeed. You are supporting taking our tax money earned by our hard work and success to support their failure! That is not Republican thinking, Mr. President. Trust capitalism and money will move to what adds value instead of sending good money after bad companies! Let the Democrats take responsibility for these stupid stimulus packages, if they want!

The stimulus packages and bailouts have done only one thing—they have made companies and citizens get in line for more money! They’re competing for how awful things are instead of getting busy finding their own way to success. Do you no longer believe in self-reliance? Or do you just believe it is OK for us fools who do all the work and pay the taxes to support these bailouts!   

In Support of Conservative Principles,

Terry L. Paulson, PhD

An Election that Is Hard to Read and Could Define Your Presidency

I decided to send you my monthly letter before the election. Once the numbers are in, every columnist and pundit will be analyzing every angle to why America elected the President we will have. If you haven’t noticed, and why would you, I’ve written you every month for your entire presidency. I’ve written every month since Clinton took office. Your letters have been much nicer. I figure every president deserves to hear from his people, because whether that citizen voted for him or not, they are still our president. I promise to continue to support our incoming president where I can and challenge him where I must. If it is McCain, I’m sure it will be at least 85% support. If it is Obama, maybe 20%...optimistically.

But win or lose this Tuesday, I wanted to thank you for serving. Just watching what our current candidates have to go through to run for office reminds me of the insanity of what we demand. I have not always agreed with your actions, and I’ve let you know about that. But you were in the seat. You heard the divergent points of view. You had to weigh the implications and act over and over again. For that you deserve far better than what you have receieved from both political parties, the media and your public. I continue to be proud of voting for you twice!

The cards have always been stacked against Republicans. The media has proven beyond a shadow of doubt that they are incapable of blanced coverage. The Media Research Council has consistently shown that, but now even bipartisan sources are confirming it. Comments made by sources, voters, reporters and anchors that aired on ABC, CBS and NBC evening newscasts over the past two months reflected positively on Obama in 65 percent of cases, compared to 31 percent of cases with regards to McCain, according to the Center for Media and Public Affairs. ABC's "World News" had more balance than NBC's "Nightly News" or the "CBS Evening News," the group said. Meanwhile, the first half of Fox News Channel's "Special Report" with Brit Hume showed more balance than any of the network broadcasters, although it was dominated by negative evaluations of both campaigns. The center didn't evaluate programs on CNN or MSNBC, but we know what that would have shown.

Win or lose, we are going to have to do a better job of educating America on what we stand for. Newt Gingrich said of Reagan, “He wasn’t just a great communicator. He was a great educator.” In short, he explained in stories and examples why Republican principles were important. With our citizens today, they have a short attention span, a constant need to be entertained and an inability to look at anything in depth. We must take that on by using the Internet and public forums to do a better job of selling what truly makes America great. Too many believe in government now; they’ve stopped believing in themselves.

I’ve talked to immigrants who are now American citizens, and they are frightened. They see happening in America what happened in the coutries they left. They see Democrats restrict more of their freedoms. They see Obama promising to “spread the wealth” and mover further toward socialism. They came here for freedom and an opportunity to succeed. They have, and now they see the Democrats wanted to take what they have and give it to others. America and the values we have are too important to not fight for. I’m close to retirement, and so are you! 

I’m investing more and more of my time in making a difference for my country and my faith. I write for Townhall.com and for the Ventura County Star. In your retirement, don’t just retire to Texas. Take some time to rest and work on your library, but I hope you work with the party to champion a revival in American values. Retirement isn’t all it is cracked up to be—especially after you’ve been waking up every day to face a new crisis or challenge. You deserve some rest, but you also deserve a purpose that could excite you and your wonderful wife. Make your library committed to affirming and educating America’s founding values. Now, that would give you a mission.

I don’t know how you feel in the days coming up to the election. This one is a hard one to read. Obama has eloquence and no experience. McCain has experience, character and a strong platform to run on. With so many undecided and questions about Obama, I think it will come down to one word—Trust. I think people will flirt with Obama, but marry McCain. Here’s hoping I am right. I’d rather McCain help cement your legacy than Obama try to undermine all you have done.

In Conservative Support,
Terry Paulson, PhD

Bush Will Be More Admired than Truman by History

Good Morning!

In these lazy hazy days of summer, when gas prices are keeping more Americans home, one gets a bit more reflective. Let me share a few short thoughts. As a lame duck president and Obama leading in the polls, Global Summit leaders are not going to be inclined to give you the support for greater sanctions in Africa or Iran.

I appreciate your call for a responsible, balanced energy independence plan and your call for action you can support immediately. It contrasts with the inaction by Democrats and supports the balanced plan championed by McCain. Keep calling for action. The polls indicate that only 9% of Americans are pleased with Congressional action. That is VERY LOW! That’s even lower than your numbers! Keep calling for action and your numbers will improve. Keep leading!

Let me end on a positive note. Like others, I feel that in the end, you will be admired as a great leader in difficult times. You will have led us through an extended period of economic growth that continues in spite of 9/11, a war in the Middle East, and dramatic global economic challenges. You have nominated great Supreme Court Justices—John Roberts and Samuel Alito. Your war on terror, though the media will never cover it, is a success. You finally adjusted tactics and got the right players on the bus. They say we are not respected, but conservative leaders are winning in elections around the globe. America is the most respected and valued ally by a wide margin. Yes, our enemies hate us, and they should.

Harry Truman had lower approval ratings when he left office, but he is admired today. My guess you will be even more admired…to the dismay of quite a few liberals.

The back seat drivers will keep ranting about your terrible administration. I’m proud of voting for you and look forward to the day you will be more uniformly admired for your leadership in this time of testing. I applaud your service. 

In Conservative Support,

Terry L. Paulson, PhD

Drill Now--Drill Here--Pay Less on the Way to a Winning Energy Plan

Good Morning!

Not much to say this month. I find the Monday morning quarterbacking by the Senator Jay Rockefeller’s biased Senate panel just parr for the course. They say you oversold the war and disregarded conflicting intelligence information.

As a leader, it is your job to assess the situation and sell the people on your actions. There is no evidence that you lied. Some intelligence may have been wrong, but you acted in good spirit. As I have told many “hate Bush” citizens, if you wanted to be popular, you would have limited action to Afghanistan. Instead, you felt compelled to act.

I wonder if they will apply the same criteria when years from now we look at the irresponsible over-selling of global warming. With thousands of scientists now questioning man’s role and the extent of the problem, they have no right to complain about your “selling” war.

Hussein may not have had a stockpile of weapons of mass destruction, but he certainly had the know-how to do so. Your intervention may very well have changed the landscape of the Middle East forever. Freedom has been given a chance. If McCain wins, we will see victory prevail.

Keep selling the importance of victory and progress in Iraq. Invest in winning the hearts and minds of the citizens we are trying to impact. After all, they are tiring of the terrorists killing their own. Support for suicide bombers has dropped dramatically. There is light at the end of the tunnel if we give them time to finish the tunnel!

Push for action on energy. Have Republicans introduce legislation to start developing nuclear power plants and for allowing drilling for oil in Alaska and in waters off our coast. The drill now message has traction. Be the president of action and change, and let Obama refuse to support it.

Put them on the defensive by reminding Americans of the times Democrats have said no to your energy plan. If they had supporting drilling over the last eight years, we would not be in the place we are. Support alternative energy AND progress in oil independence. We are being held captive by terrorist oil exporters and Democratic inaction. Keep their feet to the fire while you still have the power to do so!

In Conservative Support,

Terry L. Paulson, PhD

Thank You President George W. Bush

Good Morning!

All is well in the world and the Republicans will easily regain control of both the White House and Congress in November…April Fools! That may be foolish in April, but I believe that the Democrats have positioned themselves for a nightmare. Thanks to their infighting, we may have a fight on our hands, but we can win in November. If the Democrat Super Delegates upset enough of their own voters by how they swing their presidential convention, they may lose in their own elections. Oh, how sweet it would be. You will note by my columns that there is more and more evidence that we can win in Iraq if McCain continues to support the Iraqi efforts to secure freedom in their country.

Continue to use your position to convey the progress earned, to praise the Iraqi soldiers for taking on Al-Sadr’s troops in Basra and Baghdad, and for keeping General Patraeus at the helm of our troops on the ground. Lincoln turned the corner in the Civil War when he got the right general in charge. Congrats in finding your Grant! Americans have growing trust in his leadership and the surge’s progress. Keep America informed so that trust continues to grow!

I want to thank you for your wisdom in tapping Colin Powell, Condeleeza Rice and Clarence Thomas to take on key roles in our great land. You have put your values into action by promoting different races into places of authority because of their competence. They all remain affirmative examples of what America’s rich mosaic can accomplish when race doesn’t get in the way.

One final suggestion, your tax relief plan is on the ropes. What the Democrats want to do is use the old rich vs. poor envy to raise taxes on the “wealthy” to help their “working Americans.” Even the media says that the wealthy were disproportionately rewarded as a result of your tax relief plan. Please set the record straight by repeating over and over again, that the percentage of the income tax bill paid by the wealthy was INCREASED after your plan was put into effect. Let them know that the percentage decrease to the wealthy was lower than the relief provided to the middle class. Many more now pay no income taxes. The amount of their tax relief may be more, but the percentage of the bill paid is higher. Please issue ‘talking points’ to everyone in your administration. This message is not getting out there. The Democrats will destroy the economic incentives that provides the engine our recovery needs. This is the last thing America needs!

You and your family have given much and accomplished even more. Thank you!

In Conservative Support in my 181st monthly letter to my President,

Terry L. Paulson, PhD

use Your Bully Pulpit to Fight the Good Fight for Our Shared Principles

Your legacy of a free and prosperous Middle East will turn on this election. If Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton win the presidency with a Democrat controlled Congress, they will do everything they can to distance themselves from the “Bush War.” Their desire to leave the battle before our mission is complete will cost lives and leave Iraq to a very precarious future. McCain is correct. If he can’t sell Americans on continuing to victory, he will lose. You must sell the progress and the need for resolve to see this through. Help McCain by sharing the craziness of Obama’s statement about leaving and returning if al Qaeda takes control. Point to the time and money it takes to move troops and to position resources to do the job. Give America some specifics about what this choice means. Yes, it costs us to keep troops there—it takes money and lives. But show them the cost of vascilating and having to return to do what we could do now. Keep painting the picture of progress by giving specifics.

Keep pressuring Congress to maintain the right to monitor incoming calls from known terrorists. Let them know that they will be responsible for any security problems because of their failure to act in renewing the act. Keep pressuring the Iraqi leaders to maintain progress. Let them know that the failure to show progress could result in a Democrat winning the presidency and a quick withdrawl of U.S. troops. Don’t let the Democrats have this issue on emotion alone. Everyone wants peace, but not at the price the Democratic retreat would have us pay!   

Hold the line with a threatened veto of any attempt to give over setting mortgage rates for the Americans facing foreclosure to the judicial system! Soon everyone will have reasons they can’t afford the rates they took on and the only winners will be the lawyers pleading their cases. The responsible Americans will again be asked to pay for everyone. This stupid “stimulus package,” which is nothing other than a wealth transfer scheme any socialist would love, has given the Democrats hope that they can get more.

Why are we facing a loss in November? Washington has trained Americans that government is the answer and that someone else will pay. They can emotionally respond to eloquent candidates who promise more entitlements because they think there is a Santa out there who will pay for it. You may have cut our tax rate, but you cut taxes even more for low income citizens. The end result is that even though our rate is lower, achieving Americans pay even more of the income tax bill than before you took office. You failed to explain that! I never heard you say it.

We now have so few people paying the bill that people think they can get everything they need—healthcare, pensions, mortgages, child care…and Santa’s list keeps growing. We can’t afford the entitlements we already have, and they are promising more. Will you please stand up for smaller government? You can’t keep spending and just assume that the money will be there. We’ll survive, but our grandkids will be paying the bill…or rebelling.

We have an uphill climb to November. Start using the bully pulpit to sell your policies and our guiding principles. We can’t afford to quit the fight so easily. Attack their emotion and attacks with facts. The winners get to define history, and, with the media’s help, they won’t have any trouble blaming everything bad on one person—President George W. Bush. You aren’t up for election, but our way of life is!

In Growing Conservative Frustration,

Terry L. Paulson, PhD
(Source: First sent by mail on March 1, 2008, my 180th consecutive monthly letter to the current president!)

There's Growing Frustration from Conservative Republicans

I thought you said that you were a supply-sider! With no election at stake, you worsen the deficit and set the stage for longer range problems with the “compromise” stimulus package. Such stimulus packages have not had a good track record. They have a short-term, small impact and fail to allow for the corrections that need to be made.

You again fail to articulate to America why supply-side tax relief works. You are acting like a Democrat again. Like McCain, no one is sharing the truth—supply side tax relief rewards increased productivity and capital investment. That means growth that creates job and increases federal tax receipts. You know this; tell the people over and over again. Do a Perot by showing them on a graph! Instead of sharing that your tax relief plan has INCREASED both the percentage and the amount of income taxes the “dirty rich” pay (when compared to the middle class and the poor), you promote a stimulus plan that won’t even give anything back to the rich who are paying the bill. Your package is a pure wealth transfer. You’re taking from the successful and rewarding the financially incompetent—the banks and the borrowers! I’m so sick of politicians who promise one thing and then act like candy dispensers with someone else’s money! 

You are bailing out companies that failed to do their due diligence, home owners that should not have received a loan in the first place, and fail to allow people who played by the rules to now take advantage of being responsible. They waited because they knew they couldn’t afford the homes. Now, they can, but your actions will make it harder for them to get a loan and keep some of those foreclosures off the market. The incompetents get support, and the responsible are left holding the bill.

The best economists are saying, “Do nothing!” Instead, you are freezing loan rates; that just puts off the problem! If you bail out these people, shouldn’t you bail out all who fail? America rebuilds home in places insurance won’t provide coverage—that isn’t being a “caring conservative” that is rewarding irresponsible behavior at the citizen’s expense. True Republicans care enough to let people experience natural consequences—whether that’s teens in the home or citizens in life.   

Now, I hear that you are upset about Mitt Romney’s stand on illegal immigration. You want him to have a path to citizenship. So do I, but it’s your failure to take seriously the need to build a SECURE FENCE that has created this. You disregard the fact that Americans have had enough of illegals coming here without a solution to the border problem. You know you could get this fence build in 18 months if you wanted to. You also could have better controls and punishment for companies that don’t check immigration status. You could support national ID’s. You could deport those who have committed crimes, but you haven’t done it with the speed needed to gain the trust of your own party. If you had listened and acted, we’d be talking about how responsible illegal immigrants could find a path. Instead, people are still angry about promises unfulfilled!

I, like many Republicans are afraid we’re going to get stuck with a second Clinton because of the splintered mess we have in our own party. We will all do what we can, but conservatives are feeling betrayed. And you’ll share part of the blame by not going to the people directly over and over again to explain your actions in Iraq, for failing to veto spending and starting new entitlements and for failing to secure the border.

Certainly, we owe you for taking action in the Iraq War. You had the strength of character to act and the resolve to continue. If only you had shown the communication skills necessary to keep the citizens with you. If only you had held the line on spending as well as you created the incentives through your tax relief plan. If only you had cared enough to secure the border as much as you wanted to support illegal immigrants.

We have an uphill climb to November. I hate to see your final months end with such decisions. Your State of the Union address had some nice statements, but put the words into action by living the principles you’ve said you supported.

In Growing Conservative Frustration,

Some Things Shouldn't Change!

At the start of the year, it must be nice to see your poll numbers rising. Things are improving so much in Iraq that even the Democrats aren't talking about the war. The surge has caused a surge in your evaluations. As you said in your Saturday address today, you're still working to bring peace and liberty to the Middle East. May God be with you and your team as you work to find a stable plan that can bring real progress to the Israeli/Palestinian challenge. Don't let Israel give away too much for nothing but words and promises. We need real progress. When Arrafat was left with the reality of true peace in the Clinton negotiations, he blinked. He and the Arab allies were not ready for true peace. Israel was too important as an enemy to hate to afford making peace work. I hope that reality has changed.

Now, that Iowa is past history, your successor is one month closer to being chosen. Will it be Clinton, Edwards or Obama facing Romney, Giuliani or Huckabee? I must say, that America seems to be as engaged as ever in a race that has no clear winners. They are all talking about change as the cornerstone of their campaign message. Yes, change is important, but so is sustaining progress and tradition.

There are things you have done that I don't want anyone to change. Let me list them:

• You've planted the seed of liberty into the very heart of the Middle East. We must keep watering and protecting that seedling. We must stay the course-not change!
• You had the resolve to see this war with terrorism through to victory rather than settling for defeat, and now the surge is working. We must stay the course-not change!
• You've provided tax relief that has generated unprecedented growth in our economy and in federal tax receipts. We must stay the course-not change!
• You've brought sanity to the Supreme Court by appointing conservative judges. We must stay the course by appointing more conservative judges-not change this strategy!

I may not agree with everything you have done, but you have made a difference as President. I thank you for your years of service and look forward to your continued leadership in the upcoming months. Keep up the good work!

Bush Needs to Drive an Agenda that Will Help in the 2008 Election

The primaries are little more than a month away. It is sad to see that in order to win, Republicans seem to feel a need to run away from your administration's record. In spite of the fact that I support many of your actions, your failure to take a stand on securing the border first before entertaining any talk of earned citizenship and guest workers, your failure to hold the line on costs when Republicans were in control of Congress, and your failure to continually sell the Iraq War have left the party in trouble. Fortunately, the Democrats seem committed to running against anything Bush, and they have not yet realized that you are not running. They are defined by what they are against, not by what they are for.

I remain optimistic because of the quality of our candidates, their leadership experience and their ability to communicate effectively. I think any of the front runners will do well against Obama or Clinton. The front runners are not tainted by coming out of Washington. They can effectively support some of your policies without supporting you. We are on the right side of the issue on the war against terrorism, the economy, taxes and immigration. I think we will win the day, but it will take work.

You can help by pushing for continued progress in Iraq. The surge has worked. It's time for the Iraqi government to do their part in showing progress. Over 50% of Americans are now seeing the progress whether the Democrats admit it or not. Keep it up.

As to your Israeli-Palestinian Peace initiative, it was wise to bring them together and to put the emphasis on a deadline for an agreement before 2008. But there is serious doubt that the Arabs will give anything in return for Israel's concessions. You've been to Israel. You realize how vulnerable giving up the Golan Heights would be. You've seen how giving back Gaza has only resulted in more rocket attacks. Don't pressure Israel to sell it's soul for a peace document that means nothing. Every president wants to leave a legacy by bringing peace to the Middle East, but Israel is the only party that is expected to give up land that they won because they were attacked. They didn't take the land; the Arabs lost it through their aggressive actions. Israel's existence is too important to risk. Move carefully in the coming months.

In Conservative Support,

Terry L. Paulson, PhD

Running Against Bush Won't Carry the Day--Keep the Focus on Winning in Iraq

The primaries are little more than a month away. It is sad to see that in order to win, Republicans seem to feel a need to run away from your administration's record. In spite of the fact that I support many of your actions, your failure to take a stand on securing the border first before entertaining any talk of earned citizenship and guest workers, your failure to hold the line on costs when Republicans were in control of Congress, and your failure to continually sell the Iraq War have left the party in trouble. Fortunately, the Democrats seem committed to running against anything Bush, and they have not yet realized that you are not running. They are defined by what they are against, not by what they are for.

I remain optimistic because of the quality of our candidates, their leadership experience and their ability to communicate effectively. I think any of the front runners will do well against Obama or Clinton. The front runners are not tainted by coming out of Washington. They can effectively support some of your policies without supporting you. We are on the right side of the issue on the war against terrorism, the economy, taxes and immigration. I think we will win the day, but it will take work.

You can help by pushing for continued progress in Iraq. The surge has worked. It's time for the Iraqi government to do their part in showing progress. Over 50% of Americans are now seeing the progress whether the Democrats admit it or not. Keep it up.

As to your Israeli-Palestinian Peace initiative, it was wise to bring them together and to put the emphasis on a deadline for an agreement before 2008. But there is serious doubt that the Arabs will give anything in return for Israel's concessions. You've been to Israel. You realize how vulnerable giving up the Golan Heights would be. You've seen how giving back Gaza has only resulted in more rocket attacks. Don't pressure Israel to sell it's soul for a peace document that means nothing. Every president wants to leave a legacy by bringing peace to the Middle East, but Israel is the only party that is expected to give up land that they won because they were attacked. They didn't take the land; the Arabs lost it through their aggressive actions. Israel's existence is too important to risk. Move carefully in the coming months.