LetterstothePresident

Bush Will Be More Admired than Truman by History

Good Morning!

In these lazy hazy days of summer, when gas prices are keeping more Americans home, one gets a bit more reflective. Let me share a few short thoughts. As a lame duck president and Obama leading in the polls, Global Summit leaders are not going to be inclined to give you the support for greater sanctions in Africa or Iran.

I appreciate your call for a responsible, balanced energy independence plan and your call for action you can support immediately. It contrasts with the inaction by Democrats and supports the balanced plan championed by McCain. Keep calling for action. The polls indicate that only 9% of Americans are pleased with Congressional action. That is VERY LOW! That’s even lower than your numbers! Keep calling for action and your numbers will improve. Keep leading!

Let me end on a positive note. Like others, I feel that in the end, you will be admired as a great leader in difficult times. You will have led us through an extended period of economic growth that continues in spite of 9/11, a war in the Middle East, and dramatic global economic challenges. You have nominated great Supreme Court Justices—John Roberts and Samuel Alito. Your war on terror, though the media will never cover it, is a success. You finally adjusted tactics and got the right players on the bus. They say we are not respected, but conservative leaders are winning in elections around the globe. America is the most respected and valued ally by a wide margin. Yes, our enemies hate us, and they should.

Harry Truman had lower approval ratings when he left office, but he is admired today. My guess you will be even more admired…to the dismay of quite a few liberals.

The back seat drivers will keep ranting about your terrible administration. I’m proud of voting for you and look forward to the day you will be more uniformly admired for your leadership in this time of testing. I applaud your service. 

In Conservative Support,

Terry L. 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

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!)

Some Things Shouldn't Change!

At the start of the year, it must be nice to see your poll numbers rising. Things are improving so much in Iraq that even the Democrats aren't talking about the war. The surge has caused a surge in your evaluations. As you said in your Saturday address today, you're still working to bring peace and liberty to the Middle East. May God be with you and your team as you work to find a stable plan that can bring real progress to the Israeli/Palestinian challenge. Don't let Israel give away too much for nothing but words and promises. We need real progress. When Arrafat was left with the reality of true peace in the Clinton negotiations, he blinked. He and the Arab allies were not ready for true peace. Israel was too important as an enemy to hate to afford making peace work. I hope that reality has changed.

Now, that Iowa is past history, your successor is one month closer to being chosen. Will it be Clinton, Edwards or Obama facing Romney, Giuliani or Huckabee? I must say, that America seems to be as engaged as ever in a race that has no clear winners. They are all talking about change as the cornerstone of their campaign message. Yes, change is important, but so is sustaining progress and tradition.

There are things you have done that I don't want anyone to change. Let me list them:

• You've planted the seed of liberty into the very heart of the Middle East. We must keep watering and protecting that seedling. We must stay the course-not change!
• You had the resolve to see this war with terrorism through to victory rather than settling for defeat, and now the surge is working. We must stay the course-not change!
• You've provided tax relief that has generated unprecedented growth in our economy and in federal tax receipts. We must stay the course-not change!
• You've brought sanity to the Supreme Court by appointing conservative judges. We must stay the course by appointing more conservative judges-not change this strategy!

I may not agree with everything you have done, but you have made a difference as President. I thank you for your years of service and look forward to your continued leadership in the upcoming months. Keep up the good work!

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.

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

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)