If I had $10,000...
By Warner M. Montgomery Warner@TheColumbiaStar.com

If I had $10,000, I would buy a ticket to meet with President George Bush this week at Kirkman Finlay's home. I would graciously take my four minutes to tell him:

1. I was pleased with his immediate response to the horror of 9/11.

2. I was pleased when he dislodged the Taliban in Afghanistan.

3. I was shocked when he sent American troops to Iraq for all the wrong reasons.

4. I am disappointed we continue to occupy Iraq and participate in the chaos, corruption, and unnecessary death that now exists there.

5. I am outraged through the Patriot Act he has taken away many of the civil liberties that America stands for. Likewise, I am outraged he makes excuses that allow American agents to violate the Geneva Convention.

6. I am disappointed his actions have cost us friends around the world. Personally, I have been told by many of my friends in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America they have lost faith in the American dream because of him.

7. I am disappointed that the costs of the war in Iraq have forced us to ignore basic needs at home such as infrastructure, health care, pollution, energy, immigration, and education.

8. I am professionally offended by the secrecy and deceit that has marked his administration.

9. I am fearful his obsessions for protecting our security and advancing war for democracy is leading us into a terrible war with Iran.

10. I hope he and his family will find peace and solace when he leaves the White House, and he will allow Americans access to the documents that led him to take the actions he has taken during his administration.

11. And I would shake his hand and smile while our photograph is being taken.