Most Republicans are strong supporters of effective diplomacy and a strong military. As Teddy Roosevelt loved to say, “Talk softly and carry a big stick.”

National security is a central issue in this year’s election. With the progress now evident in Iraq and more and more assaults being handled by the Iraqi troops, this is not the time to leave prematurely. This is a war we can’t afford to lose.

Whether it was originally or not, the Iraq war remains one of the front lines on the battle of terrorism. If you don’t believe Republicans, then try Al Qaeda! They are calling more terrorists to join the battle in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Over 5,000 Al Qaeda troops have died. It’s a war Al Qaeda can’t lose. It’s a war we and our allies won’t lose if we have the will to win.

What if Democrats Roosevelt and Truman had responded to the loss of American lives at Normandy or Guam by withdrawing before the victory was complete? The quickest way to short-term peace is withdrawal and surrender.

The cost of victory and lasting peace has always been high, but the cost of premature withdrawal is far greater.

Republicans believe in a basic principle: In a world with more rogue countries and terrorist groups capable of attacking our homeland or vital global interests, America, in order to defend its freedom and way of life, must invest adequate resource to remain strong, progressive, and technologically sophisticated.

As former Secretary of Defense, Cap Weinberger, said years ago, "You don’t just go out to the store and buy high-tech weapons on the day you need them."

We need to sustain a strong investment in keeping our military one step ahead of our enemies. The new realities in a free world open to terrorism, require an equally strong investment in homeland security.

Republicans value diplomacy but are clearly aware of its limitations. Evil exists, and will continue to exist. Just look at history, the renewed tensions with Russia and the current atrocities that plague so many countries even today.

George Washington said in his first address to Congress, “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”

In fact, when at our first Constitutional Convention, they proposed limiting the U.S. standing army to 5,000 men. George Washington responded by requesting a clause that would limit the size of the invading army to 3,000 troops. Laughter followed and the proposal was dropped.

Work for peace and always aggressively work diplomatic channels, but part of sustaining peace will always require an investment in military strength.
 
Many Americans want to know when we will leave Iraq. We will leave when the job is done and elected leaders in Iraq want us to leave.

If Democrats are so intent on getting soldiers back home, why don’t they start with bringing soldiers back from Japan, South Korea or Germany? 

They won't, because we remain for a reason. They still want us there. We are the only super power left and with that comes responsibilities.

General Norman Schwarzkopf at a program shared the comments of an appreciative Saudi officer as they were returning from the first Gulf War. Pulling the general aside, he said privately: “Thank goodness America is the only super-power left, because you are the only super power who would leave!”

We don’t go to war or pick allies for oil. If so, why do we support so many countries like Israel who have no oil?

People say America is hated, but we are often hated most by those who are enemies of freedom. What country is rated as the most important and trusted ally? You guessed it, the United States.

Keep America Strong. Help us win the war against terrorism so our children won’t have to face terrorism on our own soil. If you share this commitment, join me in voting Republican.

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