LetterstothePresident

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,

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.

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

Balance the Immigration Law with Enforcement and Earned Citizenship or Have None at All # 173

Balance the Immigration Law with Enforcement and Earned Citizenship or Have None at All # 173

Good Morning!

I am supportive of finding a balanced and comprehensive immigration bill to deal with the nightmare that now faces us all. I know you are taking heat from conservatives, and you should. There is low trust after what happened when Reagan partnered with the Democrats is 1986. There was supposed to be enforcement and it never happened. Why is this any different? You will only be here for two more years. Assuming this passes and Democrats take the Presidency (something I dread and do not think will happen…but it might) and maintain control of Congress, they would be able to rescind the enforcement provisions in this bill. Trust by verify is a long-time slogan for Republicans; use it with this bill!

I suggest that any bill that eventually passes should require a two-thirds vote to change the sequencing of provisions. There should be no path to citizenship or green cards UNTIL the enforcement triggers are met. If that is not included, veto this bill. Sell the Democrats by letting them know that if they lose Congress and the Presidency, the same would apply to their provisions. Make this hard to pass and hard to rescind.

As to your handling of conservative criticism, I fear you are only fueling more anger by demonizing some heartfelt critics. Good leaders know that every improvement is the result of change. They also know that not every change is an improvement. You need to take this bill and pound on it from both sides on the anvil of disagreement so that all stakeholders get to have their say. What comes out of that process will be better because this is a tough problem deserving of tough negotiation. Honor both sides instead of blaming those who voted to bring you into office.

It is leadership on your part to tackle this problem, but good change leaders take the best from both sides of an issue and forge a path most can follow, Not any will be fully satisfied; but they should feel that their non-negotiables are taken into account. I will be supporting this process in a column later this month.  We need a long and earned path to citizenship and some way to bring people out of the shadows. We also need a secure border and a secure ID and employment database. Drive for change but cut the demonizing of critics.

In Conservative Concern,


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

A Strategy for Republican Victory in November-Terrorism, a Border Wall, Taxes and the Ownership Society (10-01-061 #165)

Good Morning!

As we go into the last month of the fall campaign to win the mid-term election and sustain a Republican advantage in the Senate and Congress, you must keep the focus on a positive vision for the future. Keep speaking to the people with force in support of our war against terrorism. Even al Qaeda has admitted is taking a toll. With al Masri admitting that over 4,000 of their people have been killed in Iraq, Iraq remains the front line in our battle. It is a war we can't afford to lose. You have lately talked about how our forces have adjusted and learned from past errors. Keep stressing that we take the war to them instead of waiting until they come to us…again!

Congress has acted to support secure borders. You can sign that bill with pride while still affirming that it is only the first but vital step in securing our borders and moving to a comprehensive plan. Please do not hesitate. All along you said that securing the border was vital; prove it by embracing this bill and moving quickly to implement it. Once the border is secure, you can help deal humanely with illegal aliens in our midst. Some deserve the right to take a difficult but possible path to citizenship. Others need a way to go home with pride and return for work when needed. I compliment you again for tackling this difficult but vital issue.

Finally, keep stressing your optimism in freedom's cause, in our country and in our people. America is strong because Americans are strong. Our country was attacked on 9/11, but we have come back with a vibrant economy that confounds even the pessimistic Democrats. You had no doubt that America would rebound and that it will continue to rebound.

The Democrats are stuck in attacking you and our cause. They must make things seem bad to have any chance of winning. They may please their core liberals, but an attacking message will never attract the Indpendents they need to win big. Just stay on theme-Take the battle to the terrorists in support of freedom in the Middle East, keep the economy healthy by keeping taxes low and support the American Dream by supporting an ownership society! We can't afford to lose this election. Know that I and others will do everything we can to make sure that we do not!

In Conservative Support,

Push for a Fence in the First Phase #161

Good Morning!

The visible pain of paying higher gas prices is helping to keep your poll numbers down. You can't change that in the short run. But do not deceived; the major issue everyone is talking about is what will be done on Illegal Immigration Reform. The Senate bill has been passed and must now be reconciled in conference with the House version. You are saying the right things about a balanced plan, but you are in the Beltway, and the Beltway disease can even affect Presidents. Your base is not happy! I have written and talked at Republican events on why we will win in November, but if you minimize the need to secure the border first, all bets are off. I'm on your side.

But let me be a broken record here! Be reasonable on the need for border security! Americans want a secure border, and they spell that W...A...L…L! They want a double-fence not only in the difficult-to-guard cities but in any high-traffic area. If illegals can find water, you can find their high-traffic paths and their water areas. You can fence them off! If you do not close off illegals coming in, none of the other plans you want to push will work. Employers will still cheat; coyotes will still bring in illegals; and our nightmare in CA and the rest of the Southwest will continue. Don't pressure the House to give in; challenge them to combine with the Senate to pass a phased plan that starts with security and moves into guest workers and, eventually, into a LONG path to citizenship for those who can earn it. If you can give time for employers to comply before there are penalties, pass a compromise that makes earned citizenship wait until the border is secure. We should also increase the number of legal immigrants we accept now to make room for more deserving new citizens in the future. Keep illegals at the end of the line but make sure you get people through the line faster. Over time America needs more workers; sell that vision as part of the rationale!

I'm glad to see that Iraq has an approved government. Stay the course; your vision for Iraq has the potential to be a lasting legacy that will ensure a different future in the Middle East. A secure border is your chance to leave a legacy that will make a difference here at home-Give us a balanced immigration reform bill that we can be proud of. If you don't take such a stand, expect that your majorities will be in jeopardy this November.

In Critical Support...

Earned Citizenship and an Actual Wall-#160

Good Morning!

The economy is going great. The Iraqi government is finally off “pause” and ready to move into motion to make progress for freedom and democracy in this war-torn land. You are calling for making the tax cuts permanent. You are talking about vetoing the supplemental appropriations bill until the pork is removed. You can be complimented for keeping the issue of illegal immigration reform front and center in Washington

But I am worried that your vision for reform is not balanced; it is a capitulation of everything we stand for in this country. You seem capable of using your bully pulpet to rightfully call for a path to citizenship for those illegal immigrants that have been here a long time. To deport them is unrealistic. You have only a half of a balanced reform in your plan! But your stated plan is an utter failure when it comes to dealing with protecting the sovereignty of our country by creating an actual wall. We do not need a few more border guards or high-tech toys that will do nothing more than take pictures of millions of illegal aliens streaming into our country. If you are just supporting the Senate passage to get the bill to the point of negotiating with the House version, I can understand. If you do not take seriously the House demand for an actual wall, you have seriously misread America and left us vulnerable in November.

Americans want a secure border! We want a wall to contain the wave of immigrants that your plan will invite to come. When you have a fire, you contain the fire before you worry about putting out the hot spots in your midst. You want to deal with the hot issues the Washington Beltway wants you to deal with, but you are not containing the problem. Stop the bleeding before you deal with cleaning up the wound! Your plan is SO UNREALISTIC, you are endangering the party and may very well lose the House. Your congressional Republicans have taken a stand, and you’ve cut them off at the knees. Many ungracious Hispanics have taken to the streets with their demands, but it is causing disgust, rage and a call for action from your base! We are watching out country being sold out by our President.

I speak for the party and would love to be optimistic, but it is time for some truth telling! You are wasting a tremendous opportunity to drive passing a truly balanced plan. Yes, be realistic with a path to citizenship from the end of the line, increase the number of green cards, but build the wall. Bring the National Guard to the areas where illegals are streaming in. Take a stand for our sovereignty. If they see that, there will be room to find a way to deal with those already here. Many will want to return to Mexico and come back only to work. Some will work to stay and become valued citizens.

When I see more employers put in jail and fined, when I see true tamer-proof IDs and when I hear you call for true border security with an actual wall, you will have my full support. Until then, I will fight you at every turn in my columns. One thing about Republicans, we are issue and value driven! I support the Republican Party for the values and issues it stands for.

Thank goodness you took a stand for the English version of our National Anthem and the need to learn English. I am glad, like smart Democrats, you did not go to speak at any of the May Day marches. In November, the earlier comments from Democrats are going to be used to turn out Republicans if you can resist the temptation to join them! The responsible middle is open to you, Mr. President. Take it! Drive it!

Let me be a broken record here! Be reasonable on border security; build a wall to contain the problem. Be reasonable on citizenship; you can resist total amnesty by calling for a difficult and long path to citizenship from the back of the line. If you can find that balance, your numbers will climb. Americans want a secure border. When the dissatisfaction with the past is big enough and the road to a principled and positive future is clear and workable, most Americans will join you. At least the Americans who vote for Republicans will.

Your vision for Iraq has the potential to be a lasting legacy that will ensure a different future in the Middle East. Your conservative appointments will change the Supreme Court for the better for years to come; that is another legacy. This is your chance to leave a legacy that will make a difference here at home—Give us a balanced immigration reform bill that we can be proud of. If you don’t take such a stand, expect that your majorities will be in jeopardy this November.

In Critical Support,


Terry L. Paulson, PhD

Take the Lead for a Balanced Immigration System (Letter # 159)

Good Morning!

The illegal immigration issue is finally front-and-center in Washington! What comes out of the compromise negotiaton between the Senate and the House has the potential of changing the future of America! It can ensure our future or our fall!

You have staked out a civil, middle ground position that leaves you a platform to truly lead. But lead you must! You cannot allow the legislation to move too far to the right or the left! You must get a balanced plan that takes into account both a secure border and a guest worker program with a difficult path for people who have been here a long time to reach citizenship.

We can't deport 12 million people but we can't add a guest worker program or citizenship pathway unless you secure the border. The Senate just talks security and their "virtual wall" that will end up just taking secure pictures of millions crossing our border. We need a wall. It works in Israel; it can work here. Demand a real wall! Don't just talk about gradually adding border agents without requiring immediate National Guard support at key access areas.

Start by stopping the flow. Then provide a legal option for workers to come and work here. But if you allow a law to get through Washington that does not do both, you will be writing the end of Republican control in Washington.

You may have 500,000 marching in support of open borders and leniency in major cities, but there are millions ready to march in support of building a wall! They don't want to be seen and labeled by the media as bigots so they stay home and fume. They watch Senate Republicans propose a weak bill without any provisions for border security. The House Republicans better stand tall. I would hope you would join them in calling for a balanced immigration plan with laws and resources to back it up.

Any plan needs certain components with plenty of room for negotiated give-and-take on the specifics. We need: 1) a national ID and secure guest worker IDs; 2) more border agents and National Guard backup until adequate agents are hired and trained; 3) an actual dual-track fence or wall in critical areas similar to the fence used in Israel; 4) an end to catch-and-release and a firm plan to capture-and-return; 5) a guest worker program; 6) require employers to check IDs and an online guest worker database before hiring any worker; 7) have civil fines for hiring illegals and jail time for repeat offenders; 8) finally, a way for illegals living here for a long time (over six years) and wanting to be Americans to get in line to earn citizenship.

I agree with Teddy Roosevelt who insisted that America can have no room for what he called "fifty-fifty allegiance." In a speech made in 1917 he said, "It is our boast that we admit the immigrant to full fellowship and equality with the native-born. In return we demand that he shall share our undivided allegiance to the one flag which floats over all of us." Let's end bilingual education and require English-only ballot. Marching with a Mexican flag in hand in support of open borders should not earn you citizenship! Those who want to work to build the Mexican Dream can come and work here as guest workers, but they should then return to their own country where they can proudly wave their own flags!

As a columnist for the Ventura County Star, I will continue to call all to a balanced immigration system. This is your chance to truly leave a domestic legacy to match the legacy you are leaving Iraq! A failure to face this issue will be your failure. You were the first President to have the guts to bring the issue up. Now, to truly lead, you must hold both Democrats and Republicans to the fire to find an answer that they can pass that is workable. If this is perceived as a cave in to illegal immigrats, you will lose your base, and it will be hard to get them out of their homes to vote in November!

In Conservative Support,


Terry L. Paulson, PhD