Dear Mr. Future President:

I would like to take some time to voice my opinions on a few problems you will be expected to address in the duration of your time as the leader of this nation: the Iraq war and energy expenditure. I believe that every voice should be heard, and as many of the students writing these letters are about to be eligible to vote, I would advise you to adopt the same attitude. 

First I will speak out on the war in Iraq. This is a deeply controversial issue, but I believe we should stay and finish the job we set out to accomplish. Too many young men and women have died to help insure our country's safety for us to completely undermine their sacrifices by abandoning our goal and evacuating Iraq. They knew what they were signing up for when they enlisted, and every one of them was prepared to die for their country. Knowing this, however, will not soothe the pain of their loved ones or change the fact that we should honor their deaths. We are so close to Iraq’s regaining control of its government that it would be utterly disgraceful for us to leave now. In fact, Lt. Gen. James Dubik has estimated that Iraq will be ready to resume the responsibility of their own security by 2009. This will perhaps allow the Iraqis to pursue the terrorists in the nearby countries, and thus will help improve our national security. Speaking of national security, imagine how other countries would view our failure. When America declares a war on terror, we should eradicate the known threat with no questions asked. It seems to me that if we get out of Iraq, others would view it as a sign of weakness and incompetence to live up to our promises and finish a conflict which has plagued us since 2001. What we're accomplishing will benefit the United States, Iraq, and undoubtedly every other nation on this planet that wishes to improve its national security. 

Next is the issue that applies to what all working American citizens have had on their minds recently: the price of gas. I don't really see why there is even a contention about whether we should drill offshore or not. I agree that the safety of the natural environment should always be kept in mind, but drilling isn't even a truly significant threat. The only minuscule danger in it is in the transportation of the oil back to America. The fact of the matter is that oil spills are ludicrously rare events, and even when they do occur it's never at the site of drilling. Drilling is the only way we will see any significant drop in gas prices in the near future, and for the time being we should, without a doubt, begin the process. I also believe that we should invest heavily in finding alternative energy sources other than ethanol. If we were to adopt this as a primary energy source, prices on food would indubitably rise just as fast as gas prices would drop, as corn is a vital food source here. Instead, we should invest in sources such as solar and wind power, which will provide an unlimited supply of cheap and environmentally sound energy. Finally, the strategic oil reserve should most certainly not be accessed, at least not for the time being. That oil should be preserved for a time when there is no oil to be found, not when we're contemplating whether or not we should drill and make use of our resources at hand. 

These are all significant issues our country is facing. As a young American, they will make a big impact on my future. There is no question about the need for change in this glorious nation, and with all of the promises the candidates have been making, I sincerely hope that you will make the right choices.