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【本刊訊】此次美國總統大選中，擔任布希競選委員會副主席的德文斯基，於十月二十三日在加州柏林根國際譯經學院召開記者會，為布希助選。德文斯基曾任美國退伍軍人部部長，他在布希競選委員會亞裔總主席祖炳民教授的陪同下，前來拜會宣公上人。
十月二十四日的「僑報」對這次的記者招待會作了詳細的報導，而同一天的「世界日報」更一針見血的強調了宣公上人對布希總統連選連任最關鍵性的建議。這個驚天動地的建議就是總統不領薪水，以一人的不爭、不貪、不求、不自私、不自利、不打妄語作為一切人的榜樣，用身教來領導美國。宣公上人在記者招待會上指出，如果布希宣告不領薪水，他就一定能當選；但到目前為止，布希並沒有作這項宣布，那他的競選必然會有問題。不過，佛教徒仍要盡心盡力，為百姓福祉，世界和平而祈禱，選出理想的領袖。
事實上，這個建議是宣公上人，早在今年七月二十九日就對布希的幕僚提出來了。當日是一位白宮內閣華裔高級官員之—，擔任美國總統公共連絡助理的鄺先生，到國際譯經學院拜見上人。上人說，如果布希能不領薪水，我保證他絕對中選。九月二十五日，上人特地寄給布希一封信，再次提示。
十一月四日確定克林頓當選為美國總統，消息傳來，除了為布希總統的一時失策，忽略上人的忠告，導致失敗而感到遺憾以外，正視美國和世界的未來，我們只有衷心盼望，新任總統能好好參考宣公上人針對時弊的治國良策，體會宣公上人愛國愛民的苦口婆心，發願作一個天上的總統、不要錢的總統、出類拔萃的總統，那就是全人類，全世界最大的幸福了。
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During the presidential election campaign, Edwin Derwinski, Vice-chairman of President Bush's Reelection Campaign Committee, attended a press conference on October 23 at the International Translation Institute in Burlingame, California to campaign for Bush. Derwinski, the Director of the Veterans' Administration, accompanied by Dr. John B. Tsu, Chairman of the Committee of Asian Descendants for the Reelection of Bush, paid a call to the Venerable Master Hua.
On October 24, the Overseas Chinese Newspaper published a detailed report of the press conference, and the
World Journal gave an account highlighting the Venerable Master's crucial suggestion to Bush regarding his reelection. This earthshaking suggestion required the President to refuse a salary and lead the nation by serving as a model of one who does not contend, is not greedy, does not seek, is not selfish, does not want personal advantage, and does not lie. During the press conference, the Ven. Master pointed out that if Bush were to announce that he would not take a salary, he would definitely be reelected. But up to then, since Bush had not made such an announcement, he would have difficulty being reelected. However, Buddhists should still do their best to elect an ideal leader and pray for the well-being of the citizens and for world peace.
In fact, the Ven. Master had already brought up his suggestion with President Bush's staff as early July 29th. On that day, Mr: Clayton S. Fong, a high official of Asian descent on the White House staff, and assistant to the public liaisons officer, visited the Ven. Master at the International Translation Institute. The Ven. Master said, "If Bush can refuse a salary, I guarantee that he will be reelected." On September 25, the Ven: Master especially mailed a letter to Bush as an earnest reminder.
In addition, on many public occasions, such as October 14 at Gold Mountain Monastery's Gwan Yin Bodhisattva Ceremony and October 23 at the press conference at the International Translation Institute, the Venerable Master repeatedly exhorted President Bush to follow his Press Conference Third from right: Venerable Master Hua Fourth from right: Director of Veterans' Administration Derwinski suggestion to refuse a salary. Each time, Dr. John B. Tsu was present as a representative of Bush's Reelection Campaign Committee, and promised to pass the Ven. Master's advice to President Bush. It could be said that the Ven. Master exhausted his efforts out of concern for the country.
It's a pity that Bush ultimately did not adopt or publicize this suggestion, which would have been more efficacious than any panacea. Losing this opportunity, he had to hand over the Presidency.
On November 4, after receiving news of Clinton's election, we regretted that Bush lost his chance and failed to follow the Venerable Master's advice. Looking to the future of the U.S. and the world, we only hope Clinton will consider the Ven. Master's excellent and timely policy for governing the nation, understand his deep concern for the welfare of the country and citizens, and resolve to be a President of the heavens, a President with no wish for money, and an outstanding President. This would be a tremendous blessing to all of humanity.
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