An Open Letter to President Obama

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Ham on Wry's author wrote an open letter with jobs suggestions to President Obama last week.  In addition, she pleaded with him to show the vision that symbolized his campaign  promises and take a strong stance on what he believes we must do as a nation.  His approval rating has taken a tumble, and he must choose whether to act on his beliefs or concern himself with fundraising and the 2012 election.  The letter with some revisions follows.

President Obama,

 

I have meant to write to you for weeks and hope you read this message, or one of your minions advises you about it. I avidly supported you in the 2008 election and believe you have more mettle than you have shown since you took office. Your lack of strong leadership has deeply disappointed me because we're living in a time where your eloquence could translate into convincing Americans of thow vital a shared vision is for this country. Somehow, you have missed that opportunity thus far.

 

I don't know what suggestions your jobs proposal contains, but I do know that the federal government should not be in the business of creating jobs, nor should Americans expect it to be. Any proposal for substantive increases in jobs must emanate from the private sector. I could write a treatise on how the government can encourage this, but I'll opt for brevity. Two interlocking ideas immediately come to mind. First, tax companies that export jobs overseas. If exporting jobs bears that additional expense, decision makers will evaluate financial ramifications more prudently. Second, create incentives for companies to establish customer service operations and related call centers in states where clusters of small towns exist. A central area for the building that would house the employees could pull from these small towns with far fewer costs than in large metropolitan areas. Housing, compensation, and commuting costs would constitute significantly less expense for employees as a result.

 

Americans are fed up with speaking to someone in India, the Philippines or other locations outside the United States about customer service issues and dealing with vastly inferior products from China. If we're going to import from China, imports should be held to the same standards we demand in the U.S. Congress has ignored a resounding message from citizens of this nation, and as a result has plummeted to a positive rating from eighteen percent.in the most recent poll. We have a global economy, but that doesn't mean we should tolerate a huge imbalance between imports and exports. If you take my two suggestions seriously, you would win favor on multiple levels. Taking risk is part of any opportunity, and you might as well "go for the gold" because you face strong indicators that you won't be re-elected unless you present innovative ideas. Show the courage of your convictions, and people will rally behind you as they did in 2008. .

 

Respectfully,

 

Alice S. Carter