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PrintThe Hiller Instinct: Memo to Obama
Staying up late at all those inaugural balls didn't stop him from getting an early start. He broke the ice by freezing six-figure White House salaries. That's evidence he's serious about changing the status quo, and understands how disconnected Washington has become from people who are losing their jobs and their homes.
Probably every one of the nearly two million people who watched his inauguration yesterday has some suggestions for him and with all respect, here are three from me:
One: give the economic bail-out a brain because, so far, it's been brainless. Congress has spent millions of dollars (or is it trillions?) on an economic recovery, but no one anywhere can say exactly where the money's gone, or what's it's done. Frankly, that's crazy, Mr. President.
Two: Don't let Iraq become your war. Nearly six years after George Bush invaded Iraq, we may not be losing the war, but we haven't won it. Yesterday you said we will begin to responsibly leave. Please don't get trapped by the word "responsibly." Iraq with us out will never be the same as with us in.
And three, Mr. President, don't be a Democrat. I don't mean forget what party you belong to, I mean don't forget it's not the only one, and that just as you want us to work together, that's exactly what we want Washington to do. Remember, Abraham Lincoln was a Republican.
The challenges are huge, but so are President Obama's opportunities. Because polls show a majority of Americans have confidence in him and don't expect quick solutions. So he will have a chance to change Washington as we know it..
Probably every one of the nearly two million people who watched his inauguration yesterday has some suggestions for him and with all respect, here are three from me:
One: give the economic bail-out a brain because, so far, it's been brainless. Congress has spent millions of dollars (or is it trillions?) on an economic recovery, but no one anywhere can say exactly where the money's gone, or what's it's done. Frankly, that's crazy, Mr. President.
Two: Don't let Iraq become your war. Nearly six years after George Bush invaded Iraq, we may not be losing the war, but we haven't won it. Yesterday you said we will begin to responsibly leave. Please don't get trapped by the word "responsibly." Iraq with us out will never be the same as with us in.
And three, Mr. President, don't be a Democrat. I don't mean forget what party you belong to, I mean don't forget it's not the only one, and that just as you want us to work together, that's exactly what we want Washington to do. Remember, Abraham Lincoln was a Republican.
The challenges are huge, but so are President Obama's opportunities. Because polls show a majority of Americans have confidence in him and don't expect quick solutions. So he will have a chance to change Washington as we know it..
I'm Andy Hiller and that's my instinct.
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