Good Morning!
I know you have returned to Washington to help drive the relief efforts in response to Katrina. It may go down as the worst natural disaster in America's history. Seeing the coverage of the states involved, it must be one of the worst. The loss of lives, the loss of property and the disruption to the economy in the south makes it clear that Katrina will find a tragic place in America's history. It will impact our economy and send the cost of gas even higher. As expected, you and your administration are already being blamed for not investing enough in repairing the levys in the area. If it is not for lack of funding, you are blamed for not endorsing Kyoto. Yes, you are the cause of global warming…which must have caused these hurricanes! You will be blamed for everything, so that is not worth even looking at. May God be with you in helping you and the FEMA teams to bring relief to our fellow citizens!
I'm glad your Crawford Ranch vacation is over. I am so tired of hearing about Cindy Sheehan! She and her minions kept demanding that you tell America the "noble cause" for which our soldiers are dying. Pardon me, but how many times do you have to say it? You have our soldiers in Iraq to make America safer and stronger by taking the war against terrorists to their own backyard. You are also taking a stand for democracy, freedom and free-enterprise. Freedom is on the move around the world, and for the first time, in the heart of the Middle East, freedom and opportunity have found a foothold. If we are able to win the war for peace and keep America safer, it will truly be a noble victory!
Some keep clamoring for you to articulate your exit strategy from Iraq. You have; they just don't like your plan! America will leave Iraq when Iraq is strong enough to govern and defend itself. We stand down when they stand up! Police and military forces are being trained and are taking an increasing role. Their journey to democracy is rocky, but their leaders are working hard to find their way. They complain that you're not suggesting anything new in waging the war. You are trying something new for politicians; you are staying the course with resolve instead of responding to polls that would lead to retreat and chaos. Reagan was the last president to have such resolve, and his resolve helped turn the tide against Soviet communism. History will show that your impact may very well match his in turning the course of history in the Middle East.
In most areas you have my support. I've enclosed columns in support of your cause. I'm calling for rational profiling, support for the troops and more coverage of the outstanding and ethical business leaders who help make this country what it is. I'm consistently labeled as a Bush apologist. I don't mind the label, but it is about to change on one issue.
I believe your policy is wrong on immigration. Your refusal to show the same resolve to secure our border with Mexico is hurting America and the chances for a Republican victory in 2008. You need a broad-based plan that secures the border first, provides enhanced identity cards for American citizens, holds companies responsible for hiring illegal aliens without identification cards, and then, and only then, creates a new guest worker program and provides a way for long-term undocumented aliens to work their way to U.S. citizenship. If you don't change course, the Republicans may very well fall victim to a third-party candidate in the next election. A conservative candidate calling for a rational but balanced strategy on dealing with illegal immigration could make Nader's numbers look anemic in comparison. Don't let that happen; take the lead before the Democrats try to take it from us.
By taking a clear stand in support of combining aspects of both the Kyle and McCain legislation with your own, you can sell a viable plan. I want to support you on this, but I can't unless you present a more balanced approach. You don't have to have my approval, but understand most of America is not with you on this. Please give us a plan we can support.
In Appreciation for Your Leadership,
Terry L. Paulson, PhD
