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

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

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,

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.

Great Presidents Over Communicate...So Communicate, Communciate, Communicate! #172

Good Morning!

In Conservative Support,

You must feel like the knats are spoiling your second-term picnic! From Congress to the media, they’re committed to attacking and distracting you at every opportunity. While you try to focus on what is important, your message is not getting through to America. After all, the media is your translator to the citizens. You have fans out there, but they are the ones who do not trust the media. But for those who aren’t motivated to look deeper, what they are receiving is neither accurate nor positive.

I have but one emphasis this month—communicate, communicate…communicate! Speak to Americans directly by taking a lesson from FDR and initiate weekly “Fireside Chats.” Don’t go to friendly audiences; instead, come to America eyeball to eyeball from the Oval Office. Make it comfortable, balanced and informative. They are in a war, and deserve to know what is happening from the Commander-in-Chief!

There is another focus on communication that needs to be expanded, funded and talked about to the American People. The Arab street is a closed street! They are programmed by the enemy, and we are not reaching them directly. We need a Radio Free Middle East that is effective and persuasive. Give them the truth and give it in a way they can understand. As has been said over and over again, the military alone is not the answer. Show the world that you know that.

Finally, the pressure the Democrats are putting on you for deadlines for withdrawl has one goal—they don’t want to be stuck with having to deal with Iraq when and if they win the White House. There is a positive as you can use these forces as “good cop/bad cop” in putting pressure on Iraq. Let them know that you, the good guy, is ready to go to bat for them, but the bad guys, the Democrats, are demanding withdrawl. You need demonstrated progress in bringing stability to the region. The deadline is clear whether it is in writing or not—that deadline in November 2008. Use this to your advantage, and it just may help.

In Conservative Support,


Terry L. Paulson, PhD

America's Future Provides Clear and Critical Choices # 171

Good Morning!

I'm late for my monthly letter to the President. I doubt whether you have missed my monthly missive, but it is a tradition I value. It makes me think about what feedback I want to give my President. I think every American ought to have to struggle with that challenge and to do so without the normal heavy dose of namecalling!

Your call for a comprehensive immigration reform bill sounds tough and fair. When you have thousands of illegal immigrants taking to the streets in protest about what you are proposing, you know it is probably fair. I agree with the criticism that has been leveled against the far right Republicans in our own party. Their failure to work with you to find a workable compromise helped usher in our demise in the last mid-term election. Even more important, we have left the Democrats in control of crafting that compromise. As a result, it will be hard to find the balance needed. I'm thankful that your plan gives a difficult and expensive path to citizenship that is not amnesty. I'm also pleased with the increasing security at the border and the deporting of more illegals. Operation Jump Start is working, but more needs to be done. Please make sure that you continue to hold out for that 700 miles of true fence and give the border guards the support they need to hold the line at the border. We will need workers in the future; a balanced plan will help both countries. Keep the pressure on for a balanced bill, and it will help Republicans in 2008.

The Democrats are acting as though they have a manadate to run both Congress and foreign policy. One of the great things about their victory is that Democrats will be Democrats. They begin to act out their priorities in front of our very eyes. Even liberal columnists have taken Nancy Pelosi to task for her independent diplomatic efforts with Syria. Their pork-filled military funding bill with the deadline for withdrawal puts them squarely in the camp of hoping that we lose in Iraq. They don't need to have a deadline; it already exists. The deadline is the election in November 2008. On that day, America has a choice to make. The progress that Iraq's leaders and military have made at that point will be a big factor in the election. If clear progress in security has been made, America will more likely pick a Republican President. If no progress has been made, they will more likely go for a Democrat. By empowering our military and Iraqi leaders to make headway quickly by funding the surge of additional troops, you are giving victory a chance. Their leadership fears victory; that is why they refuse to acknowledge any progress. They can't have progress and take back the Presidency. In short, you need no reminder to make winning in Iraq a key priority of your final months. I salute you for your resolve. I salute your promised veto!

I, however, remain critical of your failure to sell and communicate progress and priorities in your administration. You give speeches to supportive audiences, and the left-leaning media picks the clips, provides the commentary, and balances your optimistic resolve with their pessimistic vision of "another Vietnam." Please, please, please, start instituting WEEKLY fireside chats with America where you provide your own updates and commentary on the war. Give America the facts, the good, the bad and the ugly, about the war against terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan and the world. When a country is at war, they deserve to hear it from YOU! This war must be won, and it must be sold to win. Do not give up on this critical responsibility. Pull a Perot! Get out a pointer and few graphs and maps to show progress. Turn up the heat on the liberals who are now comfortable in their pursuit of losing in Iraq! Make the weekly messages short, but make them happen.

I remain confident that the candidates the Republicans are putting forth will win the day against the slate of Democratic candidates. I remain optimistic that the principles that guide our base will motivate them to vote in this critical election. Help rally that base in the decisions you make in the final months of your presidency.

In Conservative Support,

Terry Paulson, PhD

(Sent to the President on April 8, 2007)

Time for Presidential Fireside Chats and Republican Backbone #169

Good Morning!

I awoke this morning watching you speaking to the Democratic Retreat. I support reaching out in a non-partisan effort as long as you don't become Democrat-Light! After the recent mid-term losses, Republicans are scrambling out of fear instead of finding their backbone. Win or lose on an issue, it's their job to take principled stands for those they represent.

The Republican failure to support you strongly on your revised plan for Iraq concerns me. They seem to think that Americans don't want to win in Iraq. They're wrong. Our soldiers want to win; Americans want a free and functioning Iraq. All wars are frustrating, but it takes resolve to win. The cost of losing is just too high. The pending non-binding resolution won't cut off funds and won't stop your plan, but it shows how far Democrats will go to make a political point prior to the 2008 election.

I have no doubt that you will stand firm, but your message continues to be translated through a liberal media. I've told you repeatedly, and others have given a similar message. The only way you can drive this war now is to take it directly to the American people every two weeks. You need to provide regular fireside chats. The importance of the Iraq War as a major front in the war on terrorism and your poor polls demand such a strong action. It will give you a chance to share meaningful adjustments and any progress. Even better, you will be able to confront all problems without waiting for media translations. Your resolve is appreciated; your failure to communicate to the people directly is a constant frustration.

On the positive side, your call for action by the Iraqi government is being heard. They must realize that their failure to make progress, make room for Sunni interests, secure Baghdad, and share the oil wealth will only prolong the civil discord and insurgent attacks. The Democrat resolution and the impending 2008 election may be all the motivation they now need. Nothing sets the stage for change like the fear of the civil war an American widthdrawl would mean. In short, drive for a major offensive now and start communicating directly to the electorate; that might just be enough to get some of those weak-willed Republicans to come back and support you!

As always, my other major concern is immigration reform. The Democrats want to move now because they feel you will support their plan. Your failure to stand for a balanced plan is one of my major disappointments in your leadership! If the Democrats pass reform that fails to build a real wall and makes citizenship easy, you must veto that bill. If you do not, you can kiss the 2008 election goodbye! The base will be busy pulling their hair out instead of sending money to Washington. You must know that living in LA is frightening; a bad bill would lose California to the Democrats for decades if not forever! Don't let that happen! If Republicans lose big in 2008, the victors will be setting the stage for your place in history. Their actions will mean defeat, and they will blame you. Since most historians are Democrats, they will probably agree.

On a positive note, your domestic push for changes in healthcare, social security, medicare before they become the crisis they will be is right on! In this political climate, I don't expect progress in Congress but continuing to point out the need for change is the first step in generating meaningful action.

In Conservative Support,


Terry L. Paulson, PhD

It's Time for "Radio Liberty" for the Middle East (Letter # 164)

Good Morning!

I'm not sure the ceasefire has any hope of working. Last month I was pleased that you had given Israel time to take the war to Hezbollah. That cover and support for a sustained assault was clearly short-lived. I think Israel's slow progress and unwillingness to take the attack aggressively into Lebanon may have been the reason for your agreeing to the ceasefire. But the comedy of arranging for a viable UN peacekeeping force is painful to watch. France keeps waffling. Although Hezbollah has taken clear losses, there seems no expressed will or plan to disarm them. As a result, I think the buffer zone may very well turn out to be a source of more frustration than protection for Isreal. I call on you and Secretary Rice to push the UN and our allies to honor the commitments they made to your administration privately. Israel is too important of an ally to let them down at this critical time.

I appreciate your recent calls to stay the course and your clear resolve to do this. But it seems to be perceived as the same tired message. I was one of the speakers at the California Federation of Republican Women Southern Division event this week. One of the other speakers was Congressman Eward Royce. He shared something I have long called for and mentioned in my recent Ventura County Star column on "The Perfect Enemy." We need more than staying the course militarily; we need to increase our investment in communicating our message to the citizens of the Middle East directly! Ronald Reagan knew the importance of information in defeating communism. His investment in Radio Liberty brought truth and hope to the people who needed it. It was not just Reagan's strong military that worked; it was his belief in people to respond to truth and freedom. We cannot wait any longer. There is so little accurate information reaching the average citizen in the Middle East that they are left vulnerable to the message of our enemy.

We need to use every delivery vehicle possible to bombard the people os this region with hope and truth about what freedom and opportunity can do. We need moderate Muslims to enliven that message. We must win the war for peace. By making a substantial investment in Radio Liberty and by making this a cornerstone of your new message this fall, you can portray both your resolve and your willingness to make needed course-corrections in your plan. Don't let Democrats take this message; make it yours. Rep. Royce promised me he would push for such legislation. Please use his support!

In Conservative Support,


Terry L. Paulson, PhD