An Open Letter to Senator Obama

Senator Obama, the man pictured below talked to the American people on March 13, 1993 via the radio about the banking crisis that helped produce the Great Depression. This was before Senator McCain or I were born. This is of course, President Franklin Roosevelt who was our leader through the Great Depression and WWII. He gave a series of talks to the American people on radio throughout his tenure of President. They were known as fireside chats. He is pictured below giving his first fireside chat. In 1944, he was still giving his chats and I remember my parents listening to him with great interest. I remember vividly, the day FDR died and how the nation mourned.

At the end of his chat, he said this--"There is an element in the readjustment of our financial system more important than currency, more important than gold, and that is the confidence of the people. Confidence and courage are the essentials of success in carrying out our plan. You people must have faith; you must not be stampeded by rumors or guesses. Let us unite in banishing fear. We have provided the machinery to restore our financial system; it is up to you to support and make it work.

It is your problem no less than it is mine. Together we cannot fail."

Senator, it is up to you to approach our current financial mess with the same type of message to unite us and to ask us not to panic. You missed an opportunity to do this in your last town hall debate with Senator McCain when asked what sacrifices you would ask of the American people. You could have given one of your inspirational talks about the greatness of our nation and its people and the resiliency we have always shown. Then ask us to simply "not panic, have confidence that we will rebound."

Its really up to you. Our present leader nor anyone in his administration has the confidence of the American people. His ability to inspire almost anyone just isn't in the cards. In fact, were he president in 1941, this is what he might do.

In the next and last debate of this campaign, I am sure you expect Senator McCain to come out slinging as much mud as possible to distract us from our present crisis. Counter-punch when necessary, but sometime look the camera in the eye and inspire us as only you can do.

My fellow Americans are thirsty for hope and inspiration. Remind us of our greatness and reestablish our confidence. Trust me on this. This is an opportunity to secure our faith in your leadership.