Monday, February 28, 2011

Day 4 - Letter To The President

Below is a recent letter I sent to the president.  I removed sections from some areas for privacy reasons:

Dear President Barrack Obama,


I would like to start by saying good day, and I hope you, and your family, are doing well. My name is Jason Wilczak [...].We are considered to be somewhere in the Middle, to Lower-Middle, class, based on the Thompson & Hickey 2005 model. [...]. This of course, is just some background information, as I would like to move in to the purpose of my letter next.

In 2008, I proudly visited the polls and cast my vote for a man I believed to be able to change the nation and the world. I have supported your decisions and defended your ability to be president. Today, I write this letter with the exact same feeling. I write this letter, however, with a thought. Something, I think, can define your presidency and attract the understanding of America that you are about change.

Most Americans (Liberal, Conservative, independent, or somewhere in between) want a better America. Of course, each one of us has similar, to drastically different, opinions on how this should be done. You, of all people, as well as your team, know this truth I would imagine. The problem really boils down to the fact that bipartisanship, to the average American, means the other party giving into what me, and my party, want. For example, a great deal of Conservative minded folks want Liberal minded folks to stop “babying” the lower class with “handouts”. Of course, some Liberal minded folks would like the Conservative minded folks to stop “pushing Old World ideals” onto a new age society. These arguments, obviously, are truly centered on an individual’s upbringing, personal beliefs, and their environment.

I believe, though, there is one major point that all Americans would agree on. I have seen this on many forums, blogs, in general conversation of people in differing opinions. Currently, there is a great deal of money spent on campaigns and private funding for particular candidates. I think you, as the president, can make a very bold statement by proposing to put an end to this. I know it may sound a bit extreme, but it is possible and would greatly increase your favor among Americans. Consider the amount of money raised and spent on a campaign, during its full cycle. Imagine proposing legislature
that would put an end to any monies used for campaigning purposes. Imagine explaining this legislature, on a televised address, that you feel the individuals and companies spending/donating this money should redirect it towards the American people. Envision telling America that all politicians will be given a fair playing field when it comes to running for office. No more expensive dinners, millions of dollars on commercials (mostly slanderous ones, at that), and the like.

Of course, in order for this to work, there would need to be rules. Some examples of these could be that in order to run for office, you must come up with a lump of money, from your own personal finances, say $10,000. This is a number that is affordable by any American, given the right determination and motivation. The fee would be pooled with all other “contenders” and would be used to pay for any flights or overnights that were required. If a news station would like to interview a running politician, then they must pay for the expenses and offer the opportunity to his/her contenders. This of course, is just an example, but even still, this isn’t the entire point.

A proposal, as described, will almost definitely be voted down. Members from all parties, greatly benefit from campaign contributions and private funding. However, it will have accomplished two very important things. The first is that it will show the American people your commitment and desire to fix the American economy and get Americans back to work. Secondly, it will force politicians into a catch-22 situation, similar to your brilliant play of the Bush Era Tax Cuts. By voting against the legislature, they, to the people, are saying “I don’t care”, and of course, voting for this legislature would make them part of the solution.
I think it is great food for thought, if you take money out of politics, you will take a great deal of the corruption out as well.

In closing, I would like to say that I think you are doing a fantastic job. Many people do not understand the amount of good and progress this country has sustained because of your ideals. I will be voting for your second term in hopes of more progressive success. [...]. Thank you again for taking the time to read this letter, from a middle class, average American worker.


Thank You,
Jason Wilczak

2 comments:

  1. Just as an update, this was their response:



    March 9, 2011



    Dear Friend:


    Thank you for taking the time to share your views. I appreciate hearing from you and value your input.

    My Administration is working to address the serious challenges our Nation faces. I am committed to taking immediate steps that generate job creation and economic recovery, and I am determined to make investments that lay a new foundation for real and lasting progress.

    As I move forward on key initiatives, I am making my Administration the most open and transparent in history. Part of delivering on that promise is hearing from people like you. I take seriously your opinions and respect your point of view. Please know that your concerns will be on my mind in the days ahead.

    Thank you, again, for writing. I encourage you to explore www.WhiteHouse.gov, which is regularly updated and more interactive than ever before.


    Sincerely,


    Barack Obama

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