Letters to the President: #613 'Not working for the weekend'
Tom Foreman | BIO
AC360° Correspondent
Reporter's Note: President Obama and the whole DC crowd are steadily ramping up toward the midterm elections. Me? I’m ramping way down…at least for the weekend.
Dear Mr. President,
Do you know what I did today that I haven’t done in a long time? I took the day off and just stayed home. I don’t have to go anywhere. I’m not running for an airplane. I’m taking care of the daughter who is still in high school, while my wife flies off to see the other one at college, and I am delighted. I know that I always tell you to give me a call if you can, but please not today. It is such an outrageous relief to not have to think about politics and polemics, I’m afraid if the phone rang I’d run shrieking into the street.
And it makes me think about how many other people in the country must feel that way. I am reminded of that woman who spoke to you in the public forum and said she is tired of making excuses for the lack of “change” in DC, or something like that. I believe many, many Americans are just tired in general. They may be tired of you, or the Democrats, of the Republicans, or the Tea Party, or the liberals, or the conservatives, or the moderates, but mainly they are just plain tired.
Anyone who is married knows that sometimes when fights go on too long, the fight itself becomes the issue. And as I’ve read through a lot of political news lately I’ve been struck by the idea that this is precisely what has occurred with so much of our public debate, especially now with elections in the air.
I know you want to get your message out and prove that the Republicans are wrong, and I know they want to prove you are wrong just as much. But for those of us out here just looking for answers, that conflict just becomes noise after a while. Seriously, I follow your debates for a living and there are times when I find myself completely glazing over, buried beneath enormous numbers, suspect claims, and shaky accusations.
I’ll repeat what I’ve said too many times: If the two major parties can not find a way to reach some kind of middle ground…and give all voters some kind of break from madness…I suspect the deepening mistrust of government, and political ennui, will make everyone into losers this fall no matter who technically wins.
Not saying I have the slightest idea how you can make that happen. Just saying it would be great if you could. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lawn to mow…and I’ve never been more excited about it.
Regards,
Tom
|
|
Filed under: Letters to the President • Opinion • President Barack Obama • Tom Foreman |
About this Show:
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°
Subscribe to the podcast
On Twitter
Search the AC360 blog
Tom
I think you hit it right on the head – I know I'm tired of all the political fighting and bickering, the back and forth accusations, the emphasis on things that usually don't matter in the end and the almost deathly silence about what does matter. Its a relief on the weekends not to watch the news and just spend time with family and friends. Maybe the politicians and pundits need to do the same thing and get their priorities reset. If they don't then maybe we ought to go back to what the founding fathers believed would be the time requirement of being in the Congress – a month to 6 weeks a year; the rest of the time spent at home earning the money to support one's family and to support one's time in DC when Congress is in session. For what Congress usually accomplishes 6 weeks would probably be sufficient if they cut out all the rhetoric and kept their focus on what needs to be done. Lot less rancor, lot more peace, and maybe government would operate a lot better. Just an idea....
No mater what happens next.....don't let them sneak the Frankenstein salmon into our grocery stores please. They don't have to label it if they don't want to ? Booooo and it's almost Halloween.Great costume ! A mad scientist of genetics with no ethics and Frankenstein with a blown up giant salmon.We'll all walk through a few grocery stores so everyone gets the message and then trick or treat.
Tom,
A super letter, so true and pure. I wish someone was listening.. Those of us that vote are so tired, so frustrated and wishing politicians kept promises. Well at least we have lawns to mow and CNN to keep us up to date. Enjoy your time off, You deserve it!
Letter number#Lost track:
Mr. President as you know I have the whole week off every week. My Banker though is playing golf today with his Broker. I heard the broker is driving his new Cadillac Stimulus car. I on the other hand am trying to fix my deck with what little money I have left. Have a great weekend from the little people.