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

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,

Time to Lead on Immigration, the War on Terrorism and Fighting Entitlements #175

As I said last month, it's time for a "Bill Clinton" in regards to any immigration bills.-"America has spoken, and I will now work to lead in the direction they are taking me! America has said strongly that we must secure the border first. We are making progress. More of the wall is going up daily. The numbers of illegals making it over is down. The cost of trying to get in is going up. Our security efforts are increasing." Soon, two laws may come to your attention-temporary workers for agriculture and the so-called "Dream Act" which allows illegal immigrant children who have successfully graduated from high school to be given a path to citizenship. I suggest that you veto both. The Dream Act gives illegal immigrant children resident status and lower tuition. That benefit will just spur more parents to bring their children to America. They may not get a benefit, but they will know their children will. If you attempt to support this, you will again stir up the hornets' nest of people who are tired of illegals getting better deals than citizens.

While you are at it, I suggest you encourage others to follow the lead of what they are doing in Atlanta. They are using existing law to check for illegal status on criminals and intitiating deportations. I think your decision to lower the number of National Guard at the border sends the wrong message; I suggest you keep them there. While I support your decision on Libby, I'd love to see you pardon the two border guards in prison. They made mistakes, but have served enough time while the man they wounded has already been caught again for border crimes. Just remember, if Republicans see you take the lead on dealing with illegal criminals, denying benefits to illegals and improving border security, they will eventually be ready to deal with comprehensive reform.

On a very positive note, when even liberals are admitting things are going better on the Iraqi military front, we know we have the Democrats afraid. They have built their whole campaign on losing in Iraq and a bad economy. The surge is working. Don't drop the ball on taking the offensive when the evidence is there. Please, please, please institute weekly fireside chats to keep America updated on the plan, the growing good news and the areas that still need improvement. Identify what is happening on the other fronts on the war on terrorism. Don't let the media be your filter. Go to citizens directly. The momentum has shifted. When MO moves, use it.

I know in the conversations with the conservative talk show hosts you talked about resolve. You talked about how unpopular Lincoln had been and how respected he is now. He had to die and wait years for that respect! I think history will look at you positively, but that won't help us in the next election. We need you to more assertively drive and sell your plan for America and freedom around the world.

Make good on your threat to veto the new entitlement plan to extend the healthcare coverage to more children. You are right. This is expensive and sets the stage for universal care by extending that coverage beyond the poor to the people who say "they can't afford healthcare." Entitlement is coming unraveled and is NOT the answer. Please take the lead in letting Americans know that saying "yes" to this bill is a blank check we can't afford. Healthcare needs a radical change where the cost is not paid by the government or corporations but by citizens. Let everyone have the same deductions and require people to have major medical coverage. Your medical savings account and insurance package is the answer; SELL IT!

Good leaders paint the picture for their vision. All the media does is turn your vision into nonsensical modern art! You must sell it yourself. As a newspaper columnist, I'm out there trying to responsibly support the principles we stand for as Republicans, but we all need your support.

In Conservative Support,

Terry L. Paulson, PhD

Freedom Is Often Taken for Granted Unless Earned-July Letter #162

I'm writing this after two days visiting St. Petersburg, Russia where you will be going for the G-8 Meeting this summer. I wish you the weather we had in this changed city. Having been her in 1988 with a group of Los Angeles business leaders, a month of President Reagan's first visit, we have seen many changes. The bread and vodka lines are no longer as prominent, giving way to more stores and better dressed citizens. They have renovated their palaces and tourist destinations, and capitalism seems to have boosted their economy. The pensioners we talked to are still not happy, and the "Russia Only" skin heads would prefer to go back to the way things were, those seeing opportunity are taking it bringing with it improvements in their standard of living. But there are concerns. One of our tour guides, Natasha, who is a linguistic professor at the university, confessed that the freedoms and political promises they first hoped for under Yeltsin have given way to concerns after Putin as clamped down on his opponents. She said that the "winner-take-all" Parliament does not give the vitality of the early multi-party differences that where evident. She is aware of the economic promise but now misses the power that free discussion of differences allows. The TV shows used to be vibrant with critical political discussions, but no longer.

Another daughter of a friend we found time to visit had concerns as well. Olga, an ethics professor at the university, expressed outrage that Putin had recently offered a toast on Stalin's birthday. Most Russians who grew up during the time of his rule remember the loss of life and purges that he brought on. They are concerned that Putin would in any way acknowledge a man that they hate. They wonder whether his years in the KGB have left Putin too dependent on controlling any hint of dissension. You should know that the people want more freedom and that the economic progress is a lever that can be used to push for more of a commitment to political freedom. When you visit, acknowledge the progress but encourage more political and media freedoms for Russians.

We will be visiting Estonia today, and know that many who once feared Soviet control are now experiencing freedom and the challenges that produces. By the way, being limited to CNN converge on the Celebrity Baltic Cruise that we are on, it is a wonder anyone in the world supports your administration. The selective coverage of only problems for your administration drones on every hour. They focus on the rape and murder by one of our soldiers but fail to give credit for holding that soldier accountable. With the chaos in so many parts of Africa, soldiers and rebels rape and kill daily and none are held accountable.

Thank you for sustaining your resolve in a world that discounts your actions and leadership. Those who take the time to learn more are in your corner on the issues that count in the war on terrorism.

I hope you enjoy the column I am enclosing from the Ventura County Star regarding a message I left in a 100 year time capsule at the Reagan Library. I think it expresses some of the hopes you might also feel for future generations in America.

In closing, having turned 60 this year myself, welcome to the club of the "over-the-hill" gang! It ain't that bad. Like you, I've taken pretty good care of myself because I want to truly live as long as I'm alive! May we both have the gift of a long and vibrant life. You deserve that after the years of service you have given us.

In Conservative Support...

Keeping Focus in the Midst of Distractions (11-1-05, #154)

Good Morning!

I know this has been a challenging month. In my own small way as a columnist, I have added to it. I have called for a sane policy to stem illegal immigration and my disappointment over Harriet Miers. To my loyal republican readers who responded most joined in my frustration, even when we strongly support you in so many ways.

The withdrawal of Harriet Miers from consideration is a blessing in disguise. The CIA leak issue has been narrowed down to Lewis Libby's failure to consistently communicate about his sources, not a purposeful attempt to bring a political enemy down. The Katrina Hurricane is over and people are being helped; the governor and mayor are seen in polls as being more responsible than you. Your reaction after the Libby arraignment is right on-You have a job to do, and you will continue to do it!

They are saying you are wounded. They are saying you should lay low. They are saying that your second term is in shambles. Now is the time to take the offensive. In appointing Samuel Alito, an established jurist with a proven track record in the mold of Scalia and Thomas, you have delivered on your promise. This gives America a chance to see the reason for your appointment; I hope this puts an end to stealth candidates. Let's get the issue out into the open-we want Supreme Court jurists who will let elected officials make the laws and let the court uphold the Constitution. You've given us one! Let the harings and discussions begin.

Secondly, take the initiative on the illegal immigration nightmare. I humbly ask you and your team to read my column. You have to have a balanced approach that starts with securing the border for good. Then the guest worker and the national ID card will help bring accountability to the madness. Take the lead and you will have Americans jumping for joy!

As for the gas price madness and the record profits by the oil companies, they have the right to do what they did, but the public has a right to respond. It is time to put major momentum behind an energy policy that makes sense. First, give financial incentives in support of hybrid and alternative energy vehicles. Second, push for more drilling in Alaska and more refineries. Third, let the oil companies know that if they don't invest record profits in developing new refineries, you will support Congressional consideration of w windfall profits tax. These people have a monopoly. The environmentalists have helped create it, but it is a time you take action to bring sanity back to the market. Oil will still be expensive and that will encourage people to consider other options, but you will be seen as taking the offensive against the very industry they say you are controlled by.

Fourth, take the offensive on your"ownership society!" Use your bully pulpit to push house ownership, healthcare savings and insurance ownership, pension ownership and ownership for a portion of your Social Security plan. Corporations are failing as guardians of healthcare and pensions. Sell people on building a national plan that give ownership back to the citizen.

Fifth, be the Republican you promised to be. Hold the line on spending. Veto some spending bill. Call for a rescinding of Congressional pork spending. Take the offense on bringing some hope to those of us who have always held firmly to limited government. Yes, the economy is doing well and your tax cuts are working and appreciated, but we must keep spending in line to avoid record deficits in the future.

Finally, keep your eye on the ball in Iraq. This is your biggest strength! You are winning the war for peace and your resolve is exactly what is needed. We are seeing that the lack of international support seems to have more to do with oil-for-food kickbacks than peace. The Iraq Constitution has been upheld and Sunni's are signing up for the December elections. The Iraqi military and police are taking more and more of the responsibility to maintain security and uphold the peace. You have taken the war to the terrorists, and they are losing. The media hates to see it. The base is behind you on this. There is no question that you must and you will see this through.

Stay the course on Iraq, but if you really want to make a difference, you can. When you are standing still, the knats have a wave hovering and distracting us, but in movement they are not even seen. You've selected a Supreme Court appointment in the mold of Scalia and Thomas. Now is the time to take a strong and balanced position on illegal immigration reform, work for more sane and competitive energy plan, take a stand for spending cutbacks and work to bring Americans into a true ownership society, you will have this nation soaring! The knats of the CIA leak special prosecutor, the Harriet Miers frustration, the FEMA missteps with Katrina, and the Democratic sniping won't even be on the radar scene.

Know we are with you. Take the offensive, and we will fight alongside you to make this the best second term ever!

In Conservative Support, 

Terry L. Paulson, PhD

State of the Party (6-1-05, #149)

Good Morning!

I am enclosing a number of columns I have written in support of your efforts and in honor of those who have given their lives that we might be free. One of them shares a story that Ronald Reagan used in a radio address; there is not better day than today to remember to say 'thank you" to any soldier one meets. I was moved by your comments on Memorial Day at the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier. We went from there to participate in our own memorial service here in California. Too many are shopping; not enough are teaching their children to remember. No sales for our family; we take a day to honor those who have fallen so that we might stand.

Bill Simon was unable to speak to a group of Republican women on Friday. Since I was free on that day, I stepped in to speak to the group. I shared my own state of the party, and it was meant with a strong ovation. I gave you high grades for you continued stand for more conservative judges; too many legislate from the bench at the expense of the will of the people and the laws passed by our elected representatives. With Supreme Court judge appointments pending, you must stay the course and you are! I gave you strong marks for your resolve in the march for Freedom in the Middle East. There will be statues in your honor in Iraq years from now. I gave you high marks for the ownership society-a push for social security changes, maintaining tax relief, and the beginning efforts to get healthcare medical accounts with major medical coverage owned by citizens. Your supply side approach to tax relief is beginning to pay off-with the economy and federal revenues growing, your efforts to begin to control spending is having an impact on the deficit projections. Keep it up.

I gave you less than stellar marks for your stand on illegal immigration. People are frustrated! Californians don't understand why you are not taking a strong position on securing our border while pushing for more changes. A combined program is possible. I call on you to lead by pushing for a four part program: 1) a secure border; 2) a tough but realistic road to citizenship for the illegals already here (11 million); 3) a way for Mexican citizens to secure legal temporary employment with a requirement for insurance coverage; and 4) secure national ID standards. But until we make progress on the secure border issue, we will not have a solution to this problem.

I'm also including my column on the need for Broadband access in America. I know you have spoken to it, but our future depends upon it. It is the highway the world will use to make dreams come alive. We can't be left out. Keep leading and keep moving America forward. Overall, with red states growing and Democrats in disarray and stuck in Bush-bashing, things are looking good. Even with my reservations in some areas, things are looking up for you, our party, our country and our world! Know you are appreciated for the price you and your family pay.

In Appreciation and Support,

Terry L. Paulson, PhD

World Fears and World Opportunities (4-6-05, #147)

Good Morning!

In the last month, I have been conducting leadership development in the UK, Brussels, Paris, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. After watching a steady dose of CNN and the BBC, it is a wonder anyone is left in the world that supports America or you. In Edinburgh, I had an extended conversation with many and was amazed at how strongly they fear the religious right taking over America. I tried to convey that it is the secular left that has tried to change America and the silent Americans who value their faith are speaking up. They have no desire to control America, only to sustain its deep and religious heritage. They were reassured by my statements, but you could sense what they are exposed to. On the positive front, they all felt that Condeleeza Rice's recent trips abroad and the tsunami relief efforts have been very helpful in forging a new start. There were even some columns in the paper that actually addressed the issue-"Could it be that Bush was right!" I loved it.

My trip to Asia was particularly informative. Asia is coming alive. Their confidence and commitment to education is driving some very impressive changes. America is getting a wake up call from the world that is going to be getting louder and stronger! There are people in America who are not ready for the competition and changes they will be facing. They need to be rechallenged to reinvest in their own education. When Americans continue to lose stable jobs and have no new skills to replace them, they will look for someone to blame. I suggest you sell the need for lifelong learning! Social Security provides only one way to plan for the future. The best investment is in continuing education. They say that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I say, "You become an old and poor dog when you stop doing new tricks!" You can emphasize this in your messages on education. It is no longer K-12; it is K-80. We need people prepared to compete, and you can help sell them on the need to do so at every age!

I'm enclosing my last newspaper column, "In defense of rich people." The response from Republicans was consistent-"It's about time someone defended the value of people who achieve and pay most of the load!" Obviously, the more liberal leaders were quick to attack, but what else is to be expected!

One final note, in Singapore, I had the opportunity of spending some time with Craig Fuller. It was nice to talk with a man who had worked so closely with Reagan and your father. It's great to see the caliber of person who serves our party. Thanks again for all you and your team continue to do for us all. 

In Support and Celebration,


Terry L. Paulson, PhD