[MineralMan]

"I will vote for him regardless...but may of my friends may not. "

I visited my folks last weekend. My Dad, who is 79, a WWII B-17 pilot, and a lifelong Republican, surprised the heck out of me. He told me that there was no way he would vote for GWB again.

Shocked, I asked him why. He told me that it wasn't just one thing. The illegal alien issue was one reason. He lives in CA, and owns a citrus ranch, and has been dealing with this problem for years. Bush's waffling on RKBA issues is another problem for my Dad. He's a life-long firearms owner...taught me everything I know about guns.

Then he really shocked me. He called Bush a "chicken-hawk." I tried to argue with him, but he wasn't having any of it.

Finally, he said that, in his opinion, Bush had lied too many times to him.

I asked him who he was going to vote for, and he said he couldn't vote for Kerry, so he was going to sit this one out...the first election he has ever missed.

I don't know what to say...really. If my Dad is going to do this, then Bush is in big trouble with his base. I can't imagine my Dad not voting. I can't imagine him not voting for a Republican in any election.

I think Bush better get his act together on these issues.

[american spirit]

I'd also include the FTAA, which on it's surface seems to be much more destructive than NAFTA & GATT combined. If it's true they're attempting to create a superstate ala the EU, there will be a severe impact on our constitutional rights and possibly the rule of law.

[swampfox98]

The illegal alien issue was one reason.

Try and convince your dad that if Kerry wins he has promised to give immediate citizenship to every illegal in this country.

With Bush we at least have a chance. Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado is working very hard to change the president's mind, and bring some sanity back to the Republican party.

[international american]

My dad voted for him befor he died(a decorated WW2 vet)
But he told me that he hope he was worried about Bush's
stand on illegal immigration, which is wrecking much of the economy of California.Had he lived, I think he might have opted to stay home. I know he never missed voting the straight Republic ticket.

[Jerrybob]

I agree 100%.

I sent the following letter to Karl Rove and Andrew Card at the White House. Whether it will do any good -- who knows, but it made me feel better.

Dear Mr. Rove:

I write to address the issue of President Bush’s reelection. No one is a bigger supporter of the President than I, for many reasons; however, it is my opinion that his chances for reelection could be in serious trouble.

If I may make the following observations:

Other than Attorney General John Ashcroft’s opinion of many months ago that he considers the Second Amendment to be an individual right, the Bush Administration has proven to be no great friend to gun owners; moreover, the President’s support of the Assault Weapons Ban extension has left them most displeased.

In gauging the sentiments of gun owners generally, few view him favorably. They have had their Second Amendment rights ridiculed, attacked and diminished for years and at every level of government; anything less than something very positive from the President between now and November 2 will garner neither their good will nor their votes.

So I write to urge you to find ways for President Bush to strengthen the right of Americans to possess and carry firearms. If he can do this, he will endear himself to tens of millions of registered voters; if he does not, I fear these same voters will look upon his reelection with indifference, at best.

[FITZ]

This is an over 80% hispanic town --- and I've seen absolutely no support for the proposed amnesty --- quite the opposite.