Senator Isakson, I am writing as an aging retired Army general officer, very concerned over what the U.S. Congress is miserably failing to accomplish for this nation, both long- and short-term. Have the following concerns:

• Failure over decades to implement any type of long term national energy program.

• Failure to develop a valid public education system for our kids.

• Failure to develop any type of immigration control, to the degree that many border officials now believe it is too late.

• Failure to get a handle on spending of the federal dollar.

We do hear a lot of rhetoric and pointing of fingers, but see little, if any, leadership. What we do see is an increased amount of “kaboogie” dances, and attempting to position oneself for power. The result is this country is losing.

Believe that it is an insult to the intelligence to the American people to even think about buying us off for $100 to assuage our immediate concerns over gas prices. Where is the long term plan, senator? (And, I know this was a House action.)

Really embarrassed that our kids today are considered dummies by their European counterparts: low in math, low in science, and most recently, many cannot even find Louisiana on the map. Boys are not graduating from high school at the same rates as their female counterparts, and are far behind their female counterparts with respect to the go-to-college rate.

What is the U.S. Congress’ solution to future national manpower needs? Doctors? Engineers? Scientists? Qualified teachers? Soldiers? Outsource to India? You have a serious national security issue in your lap.

It also appears that Congress, along with the administration, has allowed immigration to simply get out of hand. Where was the thinking and planning of the past, senator? Why do we wait until problems start affecting 300 million folks before we start a debate, and do not have a clue as to what to do?

Lastly, whatever happened to the 1994 Contract with America? You folks have literally outspent the Democrats. I am personally ashamed of your collective record.

If you are going to reply using government funds to give excuses as to your collective failure, then save our federal funds, and do something to attack the above problems.

Over past years, I have gladly contributed to the Republican Party, thinking that you folks would lead this country into the 21st century. I now regret each and every penny contributed.

Please go to work for the people who elected you.

Lead, or get out of the way.

Jack C. Wheeler, Major General, USA (Ret)
Fayetteville, Ga.