The State of the Union

The President-Elect, Barack Obama, will be inaugurated in January. But it isn't too early to put forward an open letter to the nation, spelling out what should be done between now and that moment. With all humility, and recognition that the Supreme Court has become comfortable with interfering in the electoral process, thus reversing the will of the people, the President-Elect could, without appearing too eager to take office, or usurping the prerogatives of the Electoral College, set out some principles for whomever should be president in 2009:

1. A word of reassurance to the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere would not be out of place. No matter what the detailed plans should be for their final repatriation, if that's the word I want, they deserve some word from the new people in Washington, even if they have not yet taken the reins.
2. A few words to the Congress might be in order, for surely some furious activity is planned there, for the days between now and the end of the year! Warning or encouragement, either could be of value, and a reminder that the nation is watching.
3. A few words to the newly elected Governers may be appreciated. It may be too early to proffer advice, but kind words now will be remembered when help is needed presently.
4. A few words to the people will be welcome. It is right to rejoice in the victory, but not too soon to set a tone for the next few years.
5. Words of warning to certain sectors of the business world might be in order. It is time to call a stop to the freeloading that has gone on in certain quarters, in the name of free enterprise. If free enterprise is selling stocks in political figures (something I still find difficult to believe), perhaps the term should be redefined. I cannot help thinking that the futures market should be examined closely, for its contributions to the instability of the economy.
6. Finally, a greeting to those who deal with the youth of the nation, who train the minds of our young citizens, and shape their attitudes towards duty, service and privilege. Perhaps it is time to veer away from the path of creeping elitism and lowered expectations. We need a more practical solution to low achievement in schools than the suave legislated excellence of recent administrations. There is not one single cause for ignorance among American youth, and we should not proceed as if there were just one enemy of education. Teaching requires work on the part of students, teachers and parents, all three, and there is no way to achieve excellence by imposing additional burdens on just one or two of these parties.

Archimedes