Dear White House,
I know that posting a diary entry on a blog that only progressives and the trolls that accompany them read might be considered a waste of your time. I understand that. There's only twenty-four hours in the day, and for you to read every bit of criticism, advice, and whatnot from the teeming masses would be at best a waste of resources and time and at worst a recipe for insanity, but please consider this:
Why Not Be Partisan?
Why not try to get some meaningful legislation passed instead of wanting to validate yourself to the part of the country that DIDN'T vote for you?
Why not try to get legislation moving forward on tax cuts by meeting with your own caucus and driving the agenda rather than be stonewalled by the (still) minority party?
Why not try to create legislation that reflects not just progressive sentiment but OVERALL sentiment?
The opposing party does not play nice. This is not the Republican party of old. They've learned that compromise is a sign of weakness, and they know you want to be reasonable. But again, what's wrong with holding firm to a point of view and dragging legislators with you?
I voted for the president because he seems like a smart and good man who understands policies before putting out a soundbite about them. Yes, he's got corporate donors just like any other politician, and while some compromise may be a political necessity, you sometimes have to do things without fear of the future. Look at LBJ -- his deciding vote to pass the civil rights act was a tough one that arguably cost him friendships on the other side of the aisle. He had the courage to stick to his convictions and do what was right for a disenfranchised people.
In these political times, there is talk of bipartisanship, but it's only talk. Mr. President, when was the last time a Republican compromised their position and then voted "Aye" on that measure? Why not try to use the numbers you have, get the legislation people want passed, and force the other side to complain about not compromising? If it gets things done, it's okay to look like the bad guy.
Just don't sacrifice the ideals of your voters for the sake of something that will never happen. That's all I ask.
Why not, Mr. President?
Update: As suggested in the comments, I sent a message to the White House. Here's hoping for the one small voice in the wilderness.