Unasked questions deserve answers.(THE LAST WORD)

Earlier in 2008, Democrat and Republican presidential candidates gathered separately for many televised debates. Two of these events were jointly sponsored by CNN and the Los Angeles Times. Before holding them, the American people were encouraged to send any questions they wanted asked of the participants. Anyone who viewed either of these two debates will recall that most of the questions were indeed generated by the public, although the ones selected were not what many Americans wanted answered.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Conservative Caucus Chairman Howard Phillips took the time to send questions he wanted answered. Had any of his queries been given the attention they deserved, the media-favored "front runners" would have been forced to address issues they prefer to ignore. His questions follow.

1. As president, would you withdraw the United States from the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP)?

2. As president, would you require the Department of Transportation to cease all funding of the Trans-Texas Corridor?

3. As president, would you withdraw from consideration by the U.S. Senate the proposed U.N. Law of the Sea Treaty?

4. As president, would you work with the government of Panama to restore a U.S. military presence at the isthmus?