Now is the time for President George W. Bush and members of Congress to immediately stop the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and bring the troops home. The money now spent in those countries, if used properly, could revitalize America, put it back on track as a world leader.

The money saved would ensure Medicare/Medicaid health benefits for millions of current and future senior citizens. Medical research could be expanded in many health areas.

We could build hundreds of new hospitals and nursing homes across the country; provide free college education for every worthy student; build a complete, modern highway system across America. That would put millions of citizens to work, earning good paychecks.

The nation should greatly increase the number of nuclear power plants. France produces nearly a quarter of its electricity with nuclear power.

Increase oil drilling in Alaska, and stop exporting that oil to foreign countries.

Gas rationing, similar to what occurred during World War II, could conserve millions of gallons of gasoline. That should have been done two years ago.

New oil refineries should be built. There have been no new refineries built in America during the past 30 years.

America has got to get moving to ensure citizens have the technical schools to attend, and education to obtain jobs that can pay a decent wage.

This country’s needs are overwhelming in hundreds of critical areas. Our nation’s officials must put America first on the priority list for spending, and put foreign countries second.

John Chester, Lewiston