Pope John XXIII once confessed what I’m sure all of our leaders in Washington are feeling, “Sometimes I awake at night and begin to think about a serious problem and decide that I must tell the Pope about it. Then I wake up completely and remember that I am the Pope!” We expect our leaders to have all the answers and label them as failures if they don’t. Fortunately, America is not built on belief in wise kings, but in belief in one another—“We the people” of this great country.

At the 1992 Republican Convention, President Ronald Reagan revealed the secret to his success, “I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears, to your confidence, rather than your doubts.” When facing tough times, this leader’s rock-solid confidence in Americans came through when he’d speak from the White House: “I’m not taking your time this evening to ask you to trust me. Instead, I ask you to trust yourself. That is what America is all about… It’s the power of millions of people like you who will determine what will make America great again.”

Today, as an American, you face important choices. Keeping one eye on the stock markets and another on our leaders in Washington, you worry about our future. Your choices will be driven by one of two basic reactions--panic or trust. By panicking and liquidating your savings or investments, you help push even more institutions to the brink. That, in turn, puts more businesses and jobs at risk.

The Top Ten Reasons to Elect John McCain: As you consider your choice for president, here are ten reasons to elect Senator John McCain.

1. He is a man you can trust; his ‘Straight Talk Express” is more than a slogan. When you’ve been tortured as a POW for refusing to comply, you know you have a leader who will not succumb to pressure. He will do what he feels is right. As he’s said many times, “I’d rather lose an election than lose a war!” He has the integrity and proven character needed to take the tough stands presidents must take.

2. His energy independence plan is an “all of the above” plan—Drill and Diversify Now!  He’d free states to allow off-shore exploration and drilling, encourage more clean-coal, speed processing and approval for more nuclear energy plants and refineries, and incentivize without subsidizing alternative energy innovation.

3. The U.S. has the second-highest corporate tax rate of all industrialized societies. McCain’s plan to reduce corporate taxes will keep more companies here and will encourage growth and more American jobs during these difficult economic times. McCain will keep the Bush tax cuts but wants more. In addition to promising a simplified tax code, McCain pledges to work to cut taxes on all and raise them on none.

4. McCain admits, “Government has grown by 60 percent in the last eight years. That is simply inexcusable.” He promises to reclaim “our good name as the party of spending restraint.” He’s promised a “top-to-bottom” review of federal spending and promised to veto any bill that earmarks money to pet projects of members of Congress. In addition to eliminating government waste, he wants government to shrink, not grow.

5. In a dangerous world where we finally have the extremists on the run in Iraq and the Iraqi leaders beginning to make progress, John McCain’s vision for peace through victory makes room for a strong, necessary commitment and the flexibility to adjust strategy as needed! McCain remains the president Americans would want called at 3 AM to deal with an international crisis!

6. McCain is a proven maverick “outsider” working from the inside of Washington; he has put America first in taking on his own party leadership. He may have voted with Bush as much as 95% in 2007, but Americans know he has what it takes to make waves and stand alone. McCain is a proven reformer committed to taking on corruption wherever it appears. In 2005, he called for more scrutiny and controls at Freddie and Fannie. McCain has no love for big business executives who profit while citizens and investors take the fall. McCain does more than talk about being a “uniter;” he has repeatedly reached across the isle to produce results.

7. McCain believes more in Americans than in our government. He’s committed to preserving the “American Dream” based on personal freedom and individual responsibility no matter what a person’s race, gender or age. Instead of glamorizing victimhood, he supports enabling, celebrating and learning from true achievement! He believes in you; he calls on Americans to trust his proven leadership in these difficult times!

8. To McCain, Americans don’t need renegotiated trade agreements or protection from competition; they just need freedom to compete in a free-trade, global economy! Americans can out-invent and out-perform anyone in a fair global competition. Obama’s plan to renegotiate NAFTA and increase tariffs will only increase our economic difficulties; McCain supports our longstanding commitment to free enterprise!

9. If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait until it is provided by the government. McCain’s plan for healthcare takes the responsibility and choices away from the government and employers and gives it to every American adding portable policies, tax credits and saving account options. 

10. He’s promised to pick Supreme Court Justices in line with Roberts and Alito. That same wisdom is shown in his bold selection of his kindred spirit, Governor Sarah Palin as VP. Palin brings her dynamic presence, her passion for reform, and her energy and executive experience onto his administrative team! This could be the most important election in decades. Take a stand for America and vote McCain/Palin!

The Top Ten Reasons to Reject Barack Obama: Here are ten reasons to reject Senator Barack Obama as your next president.

1. In these difficult times, Obama’s lack of a record and relevant experience that prepares him for making presidential decisions is frightening—the President of the United States should not be an entry-level position! Experience matters! It’s not a sufficient qualification, but is certainly a necessary one. Obama is not ready!

2. No experience fully prepares a candidate for the challenges a President will face. As a result, voters must consider a candidate’s judgment. Obama’s brief and uneventful political record makes his judgment in choice of friends and advisors even more important. His close associations with the controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the political rainmaker Tony Rezko, and Weather Underground leader William Ayers invite concern.

3. At a time when a troop surge has reduced violence, damaged al Qaeda and allowed the Iraqi government to make progress on key milestones, Obama promises to “bring the war to an end in 2009!” He promises to save $9 billion a month by pulling out of Iraq, to cut investments in unproven missile defense systems and slow our development of future combat systems. Finally, he will set a goal of a world without nuclear weapons, promising to develop no new nuclear weapons. Such judgments project weakness as Commander in Chief; weakness is provocative!

4. He says that he is a “uniter,” but where’s the evidence? He voted with the Democrats 97 percent of the time. He’s a proven tax-and-spend Democrat with the most liberal voting record in the Senate. He’s only a “uniter” if you’ll unite with his partisan position.

5. Obama calls for “Change You Can Believe In,” but where’s the evidence of him championing positive change? There’s no record of reform in Cook County, in the Illinois legislature or in the US Senate. In the Senate, he’s authored no important legislation and hasn’t even convened a hearing on the one subcommittee he chairs. To this point, he’s devoted his many gifts to chronicling and selling his own life’s story and running his presidential campaign. Obama fits the Indian saying, "High wind, big thunder, no rain."

6. Obama doesn’t sell hope; he sells doom and gloom. He’s built his need for change on losing in Iraq and reframing our economic downturn as a recession or worse. When Obama asks if you are better off under Bush, he ought to look at the numbers from Investor’s Business Daily: “Americans are better off than when Bill Clinton was president.” Reporting data from the IRS showed that the average U.S. income had increased five straight years through 2006. Obama talks hope but sells pessimism.

7. His unrealistic and restrictive plan for energy independence is limited to investing in new, unproven sources of energy that are not ready to carry the load for our energy independence. His partial plan does not provide the reliable source of power that our economy and citizens require now.

8. For all his talk on self-reliance, Obama treats citizens as victims incapable of rising to the challenges they face. Obama’s “hope” rests in what government can do for you, not on what you can do for yourself or our country. At a time we are struggling to pay for the entitlements we already have, Obama calls for substantial government subsidies for healthcare, college, foreclosure relief, pension plans and alternative energies. Milton Friedman said, “There are no free lunches.” We can’t afford an Obama Presidency’s “free” programs!

9. Obama wants to raise corporate taxes, inheritance taxes, income taxes on the top 5% of wage earners, and social security payments. Most candidates avoid promising to raise taxes. Americans are wise enough to know that appealing to class warfare never works. Taking from the “rich” to give to “middle class” just results in those taxed charging more! You want Obama’s “Hope”—I hope you enjoy your change in taxes!

10. He chose Washington insider Joe Biden for his foreign policy experience. This man of experience voted against the first Gulf War, against the surge and wanted to break Iraq into three entities. Even Biden isn’t sure he was the best choice that Obama could have made! We agree; vote McCain/Palin!

Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PaulsonOnPolitics.com blog. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.

Ross Perot’s plain-speaking candor fits the times: “The deficit is like the guy that finds a rattlesnake in his pants. He knows he's got to shoot it, but he doesn't want to hit anything important.” No one’s shooting yet, but they sure know how to throw more of our money around!  Money’s the talk of the town in Washington, and all that money seems to be saying is “Good-bye!”

The “final” bailout plan is yet to be dissected, but Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Fred Bernanke deserve kudos for trying to do something to get ahead of the problem! Unfortunately, ratcheting up the fear of a pending economic calamity to get action required politicians to produce some “cure” or risk creating an even greater economic panic! Whether their rescue plan will stabilize the market and provide needed loan capital, history will be the judge, but America will find a way to bounce back. But much can be learned from what helped create this crisis that should have a bearing on your presidential vote.

Democrats and liberal pundits are blaming the free market, the Fed’s easy money policy, deregulation, greed, and, of course, President Bush. Certainly, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke’s monetary policy that has aggressively lowered interest rates helped drive down the value of the dollar and make loans overly attractive at unheard of rates. Certainly, unscrupulous financial institutions are also to blame for creating unsound and complex investment vehicles that fueled speculation and generated excessive profits without ever questioning the investments or the loans they created.

The administration is also not blameless, but an Opinion Journal column by Charles Calomiris and Peter Wallison documents the role of Congress in creating the current credit crisis. Accounting scandals at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac surfaced as early as 2003 when Federal Reserve and Congressional Budget Office economists found that, despite their subsidized borrowing rates, Fannie and Freddie had not significantly reduced mortgage interest rates. Instead of making mortgages cheaper for borrowers, they were making excessive profits and thus creating greater risks for the taxpayers, the economy, and mortgage payment-strapped homeowners.

In response to their lapses, Fannie and Freddie used a commitment to increase financing for "affordable housing" to curry Democratic support. Rep. Barney Frank openly admitted at a committee hearing on GSE reform in 2003: "Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have played a very useful role in helping to make housing more affordable . . . a mission that this Congress has given them in return for some of the arrangements which are of some benefit to them…."

Beginning in 2004, their portfolios of subprime and Alt-A loans and securities began to grow. Fannie and Freddie became their largest buyers between 2004 and 2007, with total GSE exposure eventually exceeding $1 trillion. In doing so, they stimulated the growth of the subpar mortgage market and magnified the costs of its eventual collapse.

When irregularities continued to surface, McCain and others warned of the coming mortgage crisis. In 2005, McCain spoke in favor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005 from the floor of the Senate: "For years I have been concerned about the regulatory structure that governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac…." McCain pointed to a $10.6 billion accounting scandal at Fannie Mae where their quarterly reports of profit growth were "illusions deliberately and systematically created" by the company's senior management. McCain called for reform.

A recent Glenn Beck article chronicles the repeated calls for reform by President Bush and his administration since 2001. They not only warned of the systemic consequences of a Fannie and Freddie failure but suggested thoughtful plans to reduce the risk. His warnings went unheeded and his attempts to reform were blocked by Democratic legislative maneuvering.

What was our champion of change and hope doing about the problem? Nothing! Records from the Federal Election Commission reveal a possible reason for Obama’s silence. In his three complete years in the Senate, he’s the second largest recipient of Freddie-and--Fannie-connected campaign contributions. It took Sen. Christopher Dodd, chairman of the Senate banking committee, eleven years to receive $165,400 in contributions from GSE PACs and individuals. Obama received $126,349 in just three years. 

WorldNetDaily’s Jerome R. Corsi reported on Obama advisors with strong Fannie Mae connections. James Johnson, earning millions as Fannie Mae CEO from 1991 to 1998, was appointed to head Obama's vice presidential selection committee until alleged questionable real estate loans from Countrywide Financial forced him to step down. Obama housing advisor, Franklin Raines, earned $90 million as Fannie Mae CEO from 1999 to 2004. 

Free market capitalism didn’t create this crisis. The Democrats’ "progressive" social policies helped stifle free market checks and limit appropriate regulatory oversight. The same politicians who today decry the lack of intervention to stop past abuses were the ones who blocked the legislative efforts that might have stopped them. While McCain is leading, Obama’s watching. Barack’s a great talker, but he’s remained inactive when he should have been part of the solution.

Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PaulsonOnPolitics.com blog. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com. First appeared in Ventura County Star on Monday September 29, 2008 and on townhall.com on the same day. 

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

Seven years ago, the terrorists flew their planes into our lives. Thousands died, and those who survived were left with stark, emotional memories. Like many Americans, my plane was grounded. I was stuck in Niagra Falls, NY waiting and watching with the rest of America for life to return to some semblance of sanity. After listening to one of President Bush’s stirring messages from ground zero, I wrote the following op-ed letter. It’s worth reading now as a reminder of what we went through. It let’s us know why we must not forget, why we must have the resolve to win the war against terrorism and why we must elect McCain/Palin on November 4th! Do you remember or have you forgotten? Maybe this entry from 2001 will help!

Yes, Mr. President, "The entire world has seen the state of our union, and it is strong!" Thank you for encouraging patient restraint and iron resolve in making sure that justice will be done no matter how long it takes. As Americans, we are ready to support you and our military, but we as citizens must continue to do our part. On September 11, 2001, there were real victims from a tragic and evil attack, and the world has provided tears, prayers and unprecedented support. But unlike tragic movies or plays, this tragedy is but one chapter in a never-ending story of the greatest democracy in the world. We have just been introduced to our newest enemy--international terrorism--and, like patriots of old, we are now called to write the rest of the story.

For we who live are not the victims, we are the survivors. We are not victims resigned to helplessness and despair, we are patriotic survivors who endure, marshal resolve to meet challenges, persist and succeed. Abraham Lincoln spoke to those gathered in Gettysburg on November 19, 1863 to commemorate another difficult American chapter in our history. His comforting and challenging words could just as easily been delivered to us today:

"The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what (happened) here. It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to...the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."

It is our turn to write America's next chapter together. America is a nation of dynamic and vital people who embrace life...so we must all seize this and every day! For we are patriots! Fly the flag, sing your hymns and patriotic songs, give blood, donate funds, invest in American corporations, support our leaders and the military, be watchful and prepared to fight as needed, hug, mourn, pray, laugh, rally our resolve with all responsible Americans of all races and religions, buy things, enjoy ball games, work, create, travel, give thanks and live life fully. Freedom is not a birthright of America or any democracy. It must be earned and reearned in every age. Now, as patriots of this age, it is our time to earn it again.

Terry Paulson

Where were you when the terrorists attacked? What’s worth remembering from your 9/11 experience?

They don't just talk change! McCain and Palin have made change work! I've heard so many people worry about all the attacks the Democrats are leveling against Sarah. Most are proving to be totally false. The attacks are taking the Democrats off message and making them embrace the negative campaigning they claimed never to use.