Obama: Our Nation Turns its Lonely Eyes to You

Dear President-Elect Obama:

Well only 12 days to go.  Are you ready to take on some of the biggest challenges in a generation?

1.    A severe recession involving the collapse of major financial institutions, the auto industry, the housing industry, a fearful consumer and historically fragile equity and bond markets.
2.    Possible double digit unemployment rates.
3.    Worldwide Recession
4.    Homeland Security
5.    A Congress that is likely to attempt to pull you to the left in such areas as military spending, new social programs, labor union proliferation, auto industry bail outs, etc etc.
6.    The War on Terror – Iraq – Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Al Qaida all unique yet all highly connected.
7.    Russia – return to a tyrannical society.
8.    China – capitalism but not really.
9.    Immigration – who is legal and who is not and what do we do about it.
10.    Energy and its impact on National Security.

I don’t offer solutions.  I offer a suggestion … Prioritize Please!  Our country needs to be economically and militarily strong and it is clear that we are just not strong in these most basic of areas.  The country lacks confidence and you need to lead in such a way to build confidence.  The nation’s economy and military strength are the two vital areas that require intense focus and are also those key areas that, if dealt with successfully, will begin to restore confidence.  It is confidence that people need to feel like they can move forward, grow, and take on new challenges.  These are the fundamentals of a strong society.

I am hoping that your inaugural address will inspire a new politics in Washington … a politics of achievement and deeds.  We cannot afford the kind of finger-pointing, demagogy and outright buffoonery that has become so common over the past 20 years.  We need pragmatism and well thought out action.  The country turns to you to lead the way.  I only hope, as one citizen, business-owner, tax payer and patriot that you will lead the way to pragmatically and energetically focus on these major issues of our day.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Arthur Cooper

Related posts:

1. Advice for President-Elect Obama
2. Business Owners: Keep Your Eyes on the Ball!
3. Obama – You are my President, I am with you
4. Dear President Obama
5. Washington: Anyone Home?