Miss Me Yet?

Open Letter to President George W. Bush ... add your signature.

Dear President Bush:

On behalf of millions of Americans—many of whom are former critics—we are writing to say that we miss you. Although time is often kind to former presidents, something different is at work here.

While it usually takes 10 or more years for a good president to be appreciated for his contributions, in less than 18 months Americans of all political persuasions have begun to miss your strong leadership, no-nonsense foreign policy, and pride-filled vision of American exceptionalism. In the short time that you have been out of office, our country has sunk to an unprecedented low point, a state that exceeds even the "malaise" of the Jimmy Carter years.

Mr. President, thank you for recognizing the terrorist attacks on America for what they are—a declaration of war—and for treating them as such. Thank you for having the foresight to recognize the situations in Afghanistan and Iraq for what they are and for having the courage to do what had to be done in those troubled countries.

Thank you for understanding the need for indefinite detention of enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay and for supporting military tribunals rather than civilian trials.

Thank you for two tax cuts during your presidency and for the fifty-three months of job creation and economic growth that resulted. Thank you for showing that you love America and were willing to do what was necessary to protect us from those who don't. Finally, thank you for making us proud to be Americans.

Mr. President, we miss you. When we see President Obama apologize for America, we miss your unapologetic patriotism. When we hear President Obama respond to problems and threats with empty words, we miss your steadfastness and willingness to act. When we see President Obama grovel and bow before foreign heads of state, we miss seeing you stand tall as the undisputed leader of the free world.

When we saw President Obama receive the Nobel Peace Prize, we were reminded that the words in his acceptance speech parroted what he has criticized you for saying. As we watch an increasingly dangerous Iran brutalize its own people and thumb its nuclear-tipped nose at the world, we remember that peace comes through strength not talking, bowing, or apologizing—something you understood and acted on. When we saw that President Obama was viewed favorably by weak-willed, socialist leaders in Europe, we were reminded that in the world's largest democracy—India—you still have an unprecedented 71% approval rating.

The two greatest assets an American president can have are not a majority in Congress or a high likability quotient. Rather, they are the trust of the American people and the respect of our enemies and allies. Unlike President Obama, you understood this. You had the trust of the American people and the respect of our enemies and allies. President Obama has failed to win either. As a candidate, Ronald Reagan asked Americans "Are you better off today than you were four years ago?" The answer then was no. Americans are now asking a similar question: "Were we better off under President Bush?"

Increasingly the answer to this question is yes. Mr. President, we miss you.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned American Citizens

Mitch McConnell: Americans Are Common Sense Conservatives

In a speech reminiscent of George Allen, the Senate Minority leader talked about common sense conservativism at the FRC Action Conference.

"Most Americans are common sense conservatives, while most running D.C. are not."

He took Obama to task on two issues on healthcare.

1. The idea Americans can keep their own coverage under the plan
2. The idea abortions will not be funded under the plan.

He spoke of the triumph of common sense conservatives in America. The three examples he used were the slow down of the health care bill, the fight on Guantanamo, and the fight over spending.

McConnell made the point that in the first 50 days Obama cost America more money than Iraq, Afghanistan, and Katrina combined.

I hope McConnell continues to be successful in his opposition to the many things Obama is trying to Rahm through this congress.

Gut Reactions to the President's State of the Union Address

1. Nancy Pelosi: I'm sorry if I offend any women who may read this blog, but I got real tired real fast of the number of times Tim Russert and Brian Williams brought up the fact that the house was being presided over by the first female speaker. During Condoleeza Rice's confirmation hearings for Secretary of State did everyone drool over the fact that she could be the first Female African American Secretary of State? No! They went after her tooth and claw. Just as an aside, when Democrats propose minority candidates for important positions they are given all teh attention in the world, Obama and Clinton. When Republicans do the same thing they are reviled, Blackwell, Swann, Steele, Rice, Powell, Estrada, Owens, Janice Rogers Brown...

2. Healthcare and Education: Even though I doubt much of what the president said concerning these subjects will be heeded, I loved watching the Democrats grimace when the president said the word "privatization"

3. Energy: The president's proposals on the subject were nice, but all demanded more government intervention, regulation on fuel types and standards, and increasing SPR. I was waiting for the president to say, "...and as we actively pursue the development of alternative fuels we need a steady supply of non-mideast oil. That's why I'm once more reccomending that you open up ANWR and the OCS to drilling."

4. Judges: The president once again called for the speedy confirmation of judges. It's definitely an important thing. The lack of judges is holding up the courts. The fourth circuit is missing one third of its members. However, its a little to late. Thanks to eh incompetence of Frist and antics of McCain and co. the constitutional option was never exercised. with Leahy in charge of the judiciary committee things will go at a murderously slow pace. Also... Can anyone explain why the issues of judges wasn't campaigned on in the midterms as it was in the president's reelection? Might it have done more to galvanize the base?

5. Protection of Marriage: You may see this and think, "Did the president even mention marriage in the speech? If you are that's my point. It seems to me like the FMA was a political ploy campaigned hard on in the president's reelection campaign to galvanize the base, but practically ignored in the last two years. Sorry... It was voted on in the summer by congress in an attempt to show conservatives that teh Republicans are conservative to. Why couldn't the president throw in two lines about the FMA?

6. Immigration: I'm sorry. I have totally had it with the president on immigration. Instead of cozying up to your non-base, can you just keep this country safe Mr. President?

7. Iraq: It's really simple. We need to win. Sadly the Democrats and the RINO's are invested in our defeat. If you don't believe me go back and watch the video of the speech. Every time teh president mentioned victory in Iraq, the Democrats sat on their hands. How can people who don't even want us to win help create a constructive proposal on the subject? Ironically even though the D's oppose victory in Iraq, they cheered wildly whenever teh president encouraged us to support the troops. Explain that one please.

8. Senator Webb's Response: I won't say to much. However... I didn't realize until last night how captivating an orator this state elected. Before I proceed I would like to thank Sen. Webb and his family for their service in America's military. Everyone who serves in that capacity deserves our gratitude for those actions, including Sen. Kerry. However... Being a foot soldier qualifies no one to be an arm chair general, to assume that they always no better than the presiden and his advisors and can run this war. I am sick of people like Sens. Webb, McCain, Kerry, and Grahm who say, "I was a foot soldier thirty years ago. I'm an expert on all things military." In much the same way that I as a grocery clerk am not an expert on how to run a grocery store, Sen. Webb is not an expert on how to run a war. As a Democrat who opposes victory this is also a war he doesn't want us to win.

These sure are tough times. Keep working hard for God and country.