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

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

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