This is my letter to President Obama and it emphasizes connecting with the 99%. First, I want to reiterate that I support the President, worked the campaign, and so on. Second, I wrote this because I think he is missing a golden opportunity to reconnect with his base.
So here's the letter.
President Obama:
In January and February 2009 during your first public appearances as President, you noted repeatedly that the office created a bubble, putting a distance between you and the community. No longer could you go for a walk or just mingle with average Americans. The Secret Service and entrapping mechanisms of power were a barrier to communication with ordinary folks.
Regardless, on the eve of the most important presidential race of this century, I am strongly advising you to take a bold step and go walking with the American people at the Occupy Wall St. marches around the country.
This walk would be the realization of a significant promise you made during the 2008 campaign.
“And understand this: If American workers are being denied their right to organize and collectively bargain when I’m in the White House, I’ll put on a put on a comfortable pair of shoes myself. I’ll walk on that picket line with you as president of the United States.”
Rawstory Flashback with video.
If the Spring protests in Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin were not optimal for your schedule, the current protests present a second political opportunity to promote your jobs plan and reconnect with the citizens who worked on your campaign in 2008.
Demonstrating solidarity with real Americans would also make the 2012 election a slam dunk given that your opponents have decided that the path to victory lies in demonizing the middle and working classes while suppressing voter turnout. These odious Republican practices are sure have some negative blowback in 2012. Hence, you can ride a populist wave to victory again because your military prowess is a non-issue.
Please consider this humble request to join the 99% and create a change we can believe in for 2012!
With great respect,
phree