[Sproogle]

Ian Anthony
01/09/05
U.S. History-Burns
Period 2







Dear Mr. Donald Rumsfeld,

It has recently come to my attention that the current state of our foreign policy is utterly deplorable. We are threatened directly from all borders by terrorists from abroad, and indirectly

by illegal immigrants taking American jobs. We feel the need to police the world, yet in most places in our own United States, people live in deplorable filth. Those are the lucky ones with

homes, however. Hurricane Katrina has wiped out thousands of homes, but since we are too busy dropping bombs in Iraq, we have no money to support the survivors. Our policy needs to be

completely overhauled immediately, for the future of the entire United States and the world is at stake.


Security: The Patriot Act is a good start. If necessary, certain rights must be taken away in order to preserve peace, only to be returned after an area has become secure. Our military presence in other parts of the world is an excellent way to help other countries fight terrorism, keeping both that country and American interests safe.


Terrorism: Citizens from other countries will hate us no matter what path we take. But, certain decisions will make us less enemies than others. In order to be less of a target, we need to stop trying to police the world. People need to solve their own problems. Even if a dictator is overthrown with United States military support, it would be implied that afterwards, we would pressure that country to become democratic. The citizens of any country know what is best for them, which is why democracy cannot be imposed on them. Dictatorships are frowned upon, but it is not unheard of for there to be a benevolent dictator that knows what is best for his people. Removing such a dictator would result in vehement anti-American sentiment in the area, and would serve as a breeding ground for terrorists. But terrorism is out there, and those that mean us harm cannot be underestimated, or worse, left alone to do as they please. Instead of blocking trade with a country that has a terrorist problem, we must help that country rid itself of such foul hate. Imposing sanctions to get a country to root out it's terrorists only serves to hurt our cause, and cause more hate.


Iraq: Iraq must not be abandoned. Nor must it be turned into a democracy. The people need to decide what they want, and those Iraqis in power need to step up and give the people what they decide on. After this occurs, then the United States is free to help the citizens of Iraq build their own ideal government, not ours. Once the rest of the world sees we are trying to genuinely help, and are not there for our own greedy interests, it will make a compelling case to argue to the United Nations for support from other countries in rebuilding Iraq.


Economic Policy and Immigration: These two ideas are vitally linked. Our borders must be secured, and illegal immigrants cracked down on. In order to help our own citizens, and boost our economy, we need to stop letting in illegal immigrants who will take American jobs. Our international trade agreements are also at stake, so me must be extra careful when dealing with other counters. Stopping business with non-democratic countries is economic suicide. If China were lost as a trade partner, no amount of extra trade with outer countries would help at all. Ties with China are of top economic priority.


Environment: The petroleum age is coming to an end. With more and more gasoline being consumed daily, and by bigger cars, America will be in a very bad place if alternative energy is not implemented immediately. Wind harvesting fans can be constructed, nuclear plants can be built, and solar panels can be places on top of city buildings, greatly reducing the amount of energy consumed. The world of non-gasoline powered cars is advancing at a great pace, but with more government support, could revolutionize how America moves, and prepares for the future. If the United States becomes less dependant on foreign oil, our economy can stand on it's own, and only then can countries that practically own us, such as China, can be talked into nuclear peace and democracy, if the government wishes to move that way.