Dear President Bush:

It was with real regret that I learned of the action taken by Ms. Meirs to terminate the effort to appoint her to the United States Supreme Court. I do not know about her qualifications or abilities, and can only wish her well in the future. My regret is that this is the most dramatic demonstration of the fragmentation and ineffectiveness of our Republican Party.

I do know that the Republican Party is now in almost the same kind of disarray as the Democratic Party. The only way that we (the Republican Party) can retain primary leadership in the Presidency and in the Senate and House of Representatives is if the Democratic Party continues on its present paths of dumb, bombastic behavior; and then only if you, Mr. President, take some dramatic actions to greatly enhance your support staff and get rid of, or demote and quiet, the problem makers.

We are fragmented. We have Senators Spector (PA) and McCain (AR) (among others) doing greater service for the Democrats than for their own party. Our Senate and House Leaders have not been just weak, they have been disastrous. Donald Rumsfeld has been equally disastrous.

President Bush, a great leader IS great because he surrounds himself with advisors who can give good and sound counsel. So far, this has been your most significant deficiency.

Things that I find disturbing:

1. The apparent unrecognized need to get the upper leadership of Republicans in our government under control.

2. The bad influence of religious influences, especially the Protestant Right Wing.

3. The lack of clear and LOGICAL national (and Republican) policies for defense, social security, school vouchers, abortion, birth control, immigration, federal income taxes, oil, gas, nuclear energy, other energy potentials, environmental issues, the abuse of corporate pension plans and health benefits, education management, bad telephone surcharges, import taxes and tariffs, anti-trust exemption for one or more sports, Iraq, and Afganistan, just to name a few things.

4. The apparent attitude that the U. S. A. must be the “Policeman of the World.”

This is absolutely absurd! In addition, Donald Rumsfeld and others have implemented a policy of stating that our armed services are at adequate staffing and equipment levels when we cannot even fight two or three “limited” conflicts without just about making our Reserves and National Guard full time active duty personnel!

5. The continuing presence of large American military forces in Europe, Africa, Japan (including Iwo Jima), and Korea. The cost is nuts, especially in Germany where that nation just about rapes us monetarily. We need to be in Europe, etc., like we each need two sets of ears. The money spent there now could be better used on military spending here within our borders. Yes, it is important that we maintain a strong military capability. European nations, however, need to take care of themselves; even though history has shown them to be fairly incompetent in trying to do so. It is not the responsibility of America to do so. World War II ended sixty years ago.

6. The Social Security crisis. It IS a crisis. It is just not a permanent crisis. We will go through a period of roughly 50 years (maybe less) where spending will exceed SSI revenue. Pay for that deficiency out of general national revenues; as well as add the option for individual investment opportunity. Then market it intelligently. Perhaps a national retirement system with all employers paying into it should be discussed. Then ALL workers would be secure. Do not cut any benefits unless they are not needed, not just because of cost.

7. Stop the practice of letting workers suffer pension and health care losses just to help corporations avoid their responsibilities. These companies made promises “in good faith” and should not be allowed to avoid their obligations.

8. Immigration is a mess. Even though I am not an avid Newt Gingrich fan, I have heard him speak on the topic and found that I very much liked his message. It is respectful of those who wish to come here from other countries and yet stringent and enforceable. It makes sense. Dialog and action are needed.

9. The Federal Income Tax system is a mess. There is a plan call the Fair Tax Plan that seems to be an amazing concept. If it is good, it will benefit everyone, eliminate most of the Internal Revenue Service, and provide the funding that our country needs to operate. IRS personnel could be transferred to other agencies (most of which are short-handed relative to their goals) and retrained. It is NOT a national sales tax or flat tax or value added tax; but I have never even seen it mentioned as a candidate for discussion.

10. Iraq and Afganistan. Yes, I understand and agree that the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Saddam Hussein’s regime needed to be dwelt with. But now, we are just wasting our human resources on countries that will revert to tribal or dictatorial warfare after we leave. Our efforts for “good” and “democracy” will soon be forgotten and ignored. It is equally certain that none of France, Germany, nor Russia will make any real effort to help Iraq beyond their own financial designs. They talk the talk, but do not walk the walk.

I know that the other topics mentioned above, as well as many others, need sincere efforts to be discussed and resolved for the benefit of the people of our country. The question is what political party is willing to take the lead in doing so?

I have no faith in the Democratic Party. They always “talk” a good story but it is usually “pie in the sky” and impractical. The “rich” are NOT what is wrong with our country. There are probably just as many rich Democrats as rich Republicans, anyway. And some of them are like Ted Kennedy, whose family fortune is reputedly based on bootlegging and stock market manipulation by his grandfather. I don’t see anyone in that family trying to “give it all back.” No, the Democratic Party is not the answer.

I would like to see a party, hopefully the Republican Party, step up to the plate and do what is right for all of us. But right now, Mr. President, I don’t see that happening either. Please take decisive actions that will allow us to continue the American Revolution in positive ways.

I would not be disappointed to see a woman candidate for Vice President or President in the next presidential election in 2008. Good women candidates should be found to be part of this process. There are some out there and we need to find them. The time is right to be more aggressive about this, especially since, coincidentally, there do not seem to be any particularly good men candidates ready for these positions.

The United States of America is at a place in history where it really can make a difference for its citizens and set good examples for the rest of the world. We can succeed in spite of whatever disreputable people might be in the way here at home. But, we need to contract slightly from the world stage and concentrate on solving our own internal problems.

This would be the best legacy for any President.

Sincerely yours,

Craig W. Sweet

Republican

Cumming, GA