A New Era in America

With the dawning of a newly invigorated America, full of hope and aspiring for change, Americans have been called to service. President Obama, in his inaugural address, asked all Americans to step up and make their voices heard. Every single one of us has the responsibility of ensuring our prosperity, safety, and that of our country. President Obama’s inspiring words have renewed the spirit within many Americans, but serve as a unique challenge for our citizens in this troubled economic time. I welcome this challenge and will do all I can to participate in the inner working of our government, because this is my duty as an American citizen. I believe that one of the most important things we, as citizens, can do is pay attention. With all of the change that has been promised and work that needs to be done, we need to keep an eye and an ear on what is happening around us. That being said:
Congratulations Mr. President on inheriting perhaps one of the most difficult, thankless jobs in the world. I look forward to your change and wish you the best of luck. Hold strong in your resolve and don’t give in to the “Washington politics, as usual” process.

Thank you for signing the order to close Guantanamo Bay prison within a year. This will hopefully give reassurance to the rest of the world that we are changing course and will no longer tolerate torture or inhumane prison conditions. We need to change the views of our foreign counterparts about the US and our policies and agendas. We need to uphold our morality and set and example of civility and respect throughout the world.

Repeal the nomination of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary. How can the American people trust a man who “forgot” to pay his taxes for 4 years to oversee the IRS and our financial institutions? I am sure Timothy Geithner is a good man, he is certainly a smart man; however, I find it absurd that not only did Mr. Geithner not pay his Social Security Taxes for 4 years, but when he paid the back taxes he only paid for 2 of the 4 years. It was only after he was approached about become Treasury Secretary that he paid the remaining 2 years. Surely there are other qualified persons to head our Treasury Department. Confirming Mr. Geithner in this position will be a step back to the old-style Washington politics that you, Mr. President, spoke so pointedly about on the campaign trail.

In terms of the Economic Stimulus Plan being put forth by President Obama; I hope Congress takes a long hard look at the plan before approving it. The estimated cost is going to be $850 Billion. Cost, perhaps, is not the correct word; rather investment. This $850 Billion will invest in infrastructure and creating new jobs. However, listening to the Press Conference with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs this morning, it is my understanding that this stimulus plan will take up to 16 – 18 months before we begin to see relief for the consumer. That is too long. We, the consumers and citizens, have been struggling to stay afloat for the last 12 months; keep in mind that although the recession was only officially announced recently, we have been feeling the effects since December of 2007. In the stimulus plan there needs to be additional ideas of getting relief to the consumers quickly. Keep in mind, the middle class of America, those who need the help the most, are the people who keep this country running. For the nurses in Ohio, the plumbers in Nebraska, and the teachers all over the country, relief needs to come sooner.

We have put a lot of faith into President Obama, and look forward to the success, prominence, and prosperity he can bring. Understand that this cannot be fixed overnight, and that the President is not a magician. However, the economic issues facing our country need to be fixed soon, and unfortunately President Obama has been saddled with the burden of undoing many previous mistakes, and the responsibility now rests squarely on his shoulders.