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
