Today I mailed (real mail) a letter to President Obama encouraging him to act in the manner he had promised during the campaign. I really think he needs to know that doing so would not cost him and his party dearly. I have attached a copy of that letter. While likely not my best writing, I hope it has some effect. I would encourage others of the same mind to take the time to write to him as well.
I truly believe that it could make a difference.
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Obama:
I am writing to you to give you my views on some missteps it seems that your administration has been making on domestic matters. Undoubtedly you have some very capable advisors, but I still believe my thoughts are worth consideration.
First, let me take a moment to introduce myself. I am a 58 year old attorney, a sole practitioner. I began practicing law in Alaska in 1975 and, over the years have worked in these areas: labor law, criminal defense, personal injury and maritime law. I also have been a commercial fisherman for almost 20 years.
Prior to moving to Alaska, I lived in Texas where I attended college. During that time I got to watch first hand as then President Lyndon Johnson moved the Great Society through Congress. I became acquainted with then Senator Ralph Yarborough, a great populist.
As I look at two of the major domestic issues confronting the country, the financial meltdown and the health care crisis, they have one thing in common. They are the product of big business running rampant without any meaningful regulation. The fault for this lies not only at the foot of the Republican party, but also with the Democratic party.
Currently the Republicans in Congress seem to have a great deal of momentum. Their base seems to me to be largely comprised of those who are getting screwed the hardest, low to middle class working men and women.
Why then are they supporting the Republican party who is working toward ends that will undoubtedly cause them more pain? The answer is that the Republicans are taking a populist approach to pushing their agenda: "Just say no to BIG GUVMINT"
During your campaign you generated and astounding amount of enthusiasm and support by employing the populist approach. A snippet from one of your campaign speeches is illustrative:
I'm worried about Americans who are losing their homes and their jobs and their life savings. (Cheers, applause.) I can take one more week of John McCain's attacks, but this country can't take four more years of the same failed politics -- (cheers) -- and the same failed policies. It's time to try something new. (Cheers, applause.) It is time, Canton, to try something new. (Cheers.) CAMPAIGN RALLY WITH SENATOR BARACK OBAMA (D-IL), DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENT, CANTON MEMORIAL CIVIC CENTER, CANTON, OHIO, 1:17 P.M. EDT, MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2008 [Emphasis Added]
This theme, repeated throughout the campaign, is largely responsible for the support you received, from both Democrat and Republican voters across this country.
With this in mind lets look what the voting public sees now. On the financial front, where to all reasonable voters it appears that unregulated big trading firms played fast and loose only to lose big, pay themselves disgustingly large bonuses, and them come running to the government to say "we need your help, we're too big to fail -- if we do we will ruin the global economy", you have appointed a Tim Geitner as Secretary of Treasury, and Larry Summers as the Head of the National Economic Council. Without going too deeply into my personal feelings about these choices, the public appearance is that you have done nothing but continue the same failed policies. The average voter has no idea about how much of their money went to what institution, how much has been repaid, or what is being done to prevent a the problem from happening again. All they know is that the "Bailout" is being handled by former Wall Streeters and that shamefully large bonuses are once again being paid by the same players. At least Senator Bernie Sanders has the bit between the teeth and is crying out to put an end of "Too Big to Fail".
On the health care front, you have chosen to remain above the fray. All voters who have health insurance know their insurance premiums have risen and that insurance companies are making a killing. The public knows that drug companies are getting rich and charging an arm and a leg for the drugs. What they do not know is how any Obama health plan will actually help them. Your decision to avoid a repeat of the Clinton years will not work. The bill that has emerged from the House will do little if anything to curb the insurance companies from gouging, will not allow us to bargain on prescription drugs. A true populist would demand that every citizen be able to get the "same insurance as Congress". That demand would be met with overwhelming public support. Hell it's one of the things that got you elected. What the public sees is some inscrutable plan that lends itself to populist sniping by the Republicans who don't intend to vote for it anyway.
At this late point in the game you may have already lost, but Sugar Ray Robinson, under Angelo Dundee's tutelage knew a round can be won by hard fighting during the last 30 seconds of the round. You owe those who elected you to fight this fight.
Simply put you need to you need to act decisively on these issues, being bold and expressing yourself in a direct simple way to those who voted for you. Break from the past. You will not succeed by following the same politics of the past, and re-labeling the same policies of the past.
Lyndon Johnson did not get Medicare, Medicaid, civil right legislation, and aid to the poor passed by following the policies of the past. He spoke directly and did not hesitate to twist arms even of members of his own party.
At a time when the major antagonists in this play contribute heavily to the campaigns of both parties in Congress it is incumbent on you to take the lead and be the President we elected. To paraphrase one of your campaign themes: YES YOU CAN.
Once again I ask that you write a letter, send it snail mail, and hope it makes a difference.