Making My Endorsement for President
Ventura Star, October 30, 2004
By Terry Paulson, PhD

Voting is an intensely personal activity that nonetheless can have profound public consequences on the future of this country we love. When newspapers endorse a Democratic candidate, it is seldom a surprise. Few would have trouble guessing that so called “balanced” media icons like Dan Rather join the 80% plus of media professionals who vote Democratic. So as one of the 20% who votes Republican, here are my reasons for endorsing President George W. Bush for another four years.

The war against radical Islamic terrorists is the war we cannot lose. I believe that Bush is the only candidate who realizes the gravity of the danger we face and is determined to win a war that is vital to the survival of civilization as we know it. Recent polls indicate that 70% of the military approve of Bush; I want to give the troops the leader they want and deserve.

We elect more than an individual; presidents bring their team. The Cabinet of advisors, the judicial appointments and the Rolodex of appointments are critical to furthering any coherent vision. We know what to expect from Bush’s experienced team. Even if Kerry and his team were to follow through, the confusion surrounding transition to a new national security team could create more chaos than consistency at this critical time. Taking down Bush would encourage and embolden terrorists and strike a blow to the morale and hope of the fledgling democracies working for stability in the Middle East.

I want a leader with a focus on the future. Bush understands the power of a compelling vision. He sees “Freedom on the march” in the Middle East. It is a work in progress and there are many obstacles and costs yet to be paid, but liberty’s hope has been kindled. Bush has the resolve to support that dream in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Presidents need to lead! George Bush has demonstrated a track record of leadership. He rallied our country into a post 9/11 unity and translated that into a resolve to take the war to the terrorists and to overthrow a dictator who has long been a source of instability. He stimulated the economy and turned around the jobs decline by pushing through his tax-relief plan that put money back in the pockets of every citizen who pays income taxes. He’s worked with Congress to pass a long-awaited prescription drug plan for seniors and his “Leave no child behind” effort brings accountability and higher standards to our schools. John Kerry gave less than one minute in his convention acceptance speech to his 20 years in the Senate. He’s a master of debate rhetoric, but outside of four months as an officer of a swift boat, he has not shared a record of leadership worthy of our trust.

Bush is right about the issues that matter most! He’s driving for excellence in education for young and old alike. He’s working to make tax cuts permanent to keep the economy growing. He measures true caring by how many people no longer need government programs and are self-sufficient not by how many are served by government entitlements. He supports life and has secured sane limits on abortion. His vision of an “Ownership Society” based on earned opportunity and rewards is critical to sustaining the American Dream. Kerry’s rearview mirror fault-finding and his focus on more government entitlements provides a tempting but frightening step backwards.

Certainly, Bush is not without faults, but if we waited for the perfect leader, we would never vote. Bush has failed to exercise a single veto on spending at a time the deficit is growing. He could do more to keep America and the world informed and involved in winning the war for peace. By not communicating more consistently, we are left only with the “bad news” and pessimism the media thrives on. Mistakes aside, Bush has made the tough decisions through a threatening and difficult four years and deserves more time to further his important vision.

Finally, Bush has the authenticity and many of the values that made Ronald Reagan great. Reagan let the values of freedom, economic opportunity, personal diplomacy and military strength guide his way into shaping a revitalized America. Reagan, like Bush, knew that America’s optimism doesn’t come from Washington or Sacramento. Our strength is sustained by what happens in our homes, our businesses and our communities as we work together to keep the American Dream alive. Bush is no “Great Communicator,” but there is no doubt that Ronald Reagan has inspired the faith, the focus and the priorities for our President. Kerry loves mentioning Reagan, but do you have any doubt who Ronald Reagan would have been campaigning for? I don’t.

America will keep Bush President because Kerry’s record of leadership and his campaign have not earned the trust a President needs to lead. I believe Bush has.

Terry Paulson, Ph.D., from Agoura Hills, CA, is a professional speaker on making change work and author of The Dinner: The Political Conversation Your Mother Told You Never to Have

—May we never forget how truly blessed we are!