Every month, I write My President. On some occasions they even write back. In fact, after a positive letter in support of Bill Clinton's signing welfare reform, he sent a letter asking for donations. I wasn't that supportive! I've written a number of critical letters to George W. Bush over the last eight years, but this month I wrote a letter highlighting ten things I appreciate from his years in office. What would you add?

1. We've had a recent reminder of those days, but rest assured that Your steady leadership during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America will never be forgotten. You inspired and led America at a time we needed a sensitive yet strong leader. You truly brought the country together at a time we needed to be together.

2. Your tax relief plan helped us bounce back from the slight recession we were in at the end of the Clinton years and rebound from 9/11 to fuel a strong and robust economy that generated record GDP growth, federal tax revenue and new jobs.

3. You’ve taken action against terrorism in the Middle East that has changed the status quo in this breeding ground for radical Islamic terrorism. Prior to your leadership, they expected words but not action. Ben Laden had the “strong horse” and was taunting a weak Western leadership to build influence. Now, he lives in a cave and al Qaeda is on the run.

4. Although clearly divisive, your journey to and through the Iraq War has required resolve and course corrections that now leaves us close to victory in bringing freedom to Iraq and bringing more of our soldiers home. Your willingness to replace Rumsfeld and risk the surge has produced results that will help us in this election and for years to come.
 
5. Your strong Supreme Court appointments of John Alito and John Roberts have ushered in a new era of judicial restraint at the top of the judicial food chain. That has made a difference in key court decisions. You’ve provided the model for future Republican appointments should McCain prevail in November.

6. Hurricane Gustav gave you a chance to show how Republican Governors and the federal government can work together to deal with potential disasters. You were wrongly given the Katrina failures when a Democrat Governor and mayor refused to listen to your calls to action. This doesn’t erase the past, but it shows a clear path to the future that will be a legacy.

7. Your strong stands here and around the world have allowed other countries to learn the importance of more conservative leadership. Democrats say that you’ve ruined our reputation around the world. If that is true, why have conservative candidates been winning in France and Germany? Why in the PEW Research studies is America still listed by far as the most important ally to have? The world that does not respect America is the world that ought not to—many are countries that harbor our enemies and are against democratic free enterprise and freedom.

8. You’ve had the resolve to stay the course. From Washington to Lincoln, from Roosevelt to Reagan, all our great leaders had the resolve to see tough decisions through. You may not have sold your policies as effectively as I would have liked, but you had the strength to never falter when the media and your enemies tried to get you to give up. Years from now, you will get your due respect from history. 

9. You brought us Laura Bush, a class First lady and a champion for positive change.

10. You’ve done what you can to reinforce “freedom of religion” instead of furthering the call for “freedom from religion.” By your own witness and your support of faith-based programs you’ve helped return some sanity to America. “In God We Trust” is one of the cornerstones of America’s strength. You have helped keep it that way. The war is not won, but you took the war on in a meaningful way.
 
In the years ahead, history will be the judge of your legacy, but there is no reason not to add our input! Now, add yours!

Terry L. Paulson, PhD