It is beginning to look like the President is being eaten by Washington. It's early, but there are worrying signs that the White House believes that they can only operate at the will of Congress.
GW managed significant, if destructive, achievements by not accepting that. He had an agenda, and he got 'er done.
So it's about time to remind him why he was put there, with all due respect to both the man and the Office.
Dear Mr President,
It's been a few months. We have basked in the glow, and relished the prospect of eight years of your leadership. I am confident that you didn't "bask" for more than about ten minutes; that you and your team have a plan, and that plan was set in motion on day one.
From a public perspective, most of what your Administration accomplishes will go unseen, un-noticed by all ecept those citizens directly impacted. This is good and necessary work, but all we will see, all the voters will judge you on, are the big, headline issues.
You have set your cap at achieving real health reform. Well bravo! It is the single issue that will impact the most people, and dislodge the entrenched special interest groups in the most spectacular way. Biggest bang for the buck, so to speak. Unfortunately, it also means that you have to make a real difference. If you don't ..... if you pass some toothless reform bill that maintains the status quo, then not only will you be so-judged, but the rest of your agenda will go the same way.
It will take with it the hopes of a generation, and the healthcare, education and retirement prospects of the nation.
Yes, it matters that much, and I am sure that you are well aware of this.
Whatever you do with healthcare know this. Nothing you can do will make it worse. Even the Republicans will agree that reform is needed. They agree because not agreeing would cost them votes. The idea that you can make real change with either the cooperation or help of Republicans is mis-placed. They want change, but they will not let you make it. That would cost them 2012, it it's not going to be allowed to happen. So forget them.
Blue-Dog Democrats are Republicans. They will not fight for a progressive agenda, therefore they are in the way, and not to be placated, bought or accommodated. You are entitled to say "My way or the highway", on this. That is why we put you there.
Rule them out, then do the math. If you can't win in Congress then seek a way to win without Congress. If Congress is prepared to obstruct the will of the people, then invoke the 2nd Amendment .... I feel confident you can do it without an actual resort to arms :)
Set out your new healthcare proposals. Make them bold, and slaughter the sacred cows, including the ill-conceived desire of some to save the Insurance Companies; they have done nothing to save us.
Mr President. If Congess refuses to pass a real bill, then take your fight directly to the people. Ask them what they want, and hold an election (referendum) to get it.
I guarantee, that were you to go to the electorate, on healthcare, the entire Progressive movement would have your back. We would organise a vote, raise money, work phones and doorsteps and ultimately win, presenting Congress with a result they would have no option but to bow to.
I suspect that, in the maelstrom that is DC politics, it is very easy to remember the run-up to last November. Take a few minutes to read some of the speeches you delivered, and that we all rallied to. Remember that is why the citizens of this country put you in the White House, and it is on those principles and ideals that you will stand or fall.
You might fall, but you would do so putting the interests of the country before those of either your Party or yourself.
The skinny kid from Chicago has a moment in history. Please make it one we can remember.
Regards
All of us!