Mr. President:
Now that we're past the immediate debt ceiling crisis, take a good look at the people around you.
I'm particularly uncomfortable with Treasury Secretary Geithner. He often struck me as being "the enemy within." As far as I can tell, he does not support you in any way. I may be wrong but I, and many others out here, perceive him that way. His background is a melange of Asian matters, international policy, and involvement with failed Lehman Brothers, "too-big-to-fail" AIG. To me, and to many other voters I know, his continued presence sends a strong signal of weakness.
I'm glad that Secretary Gates resigned. His presence in your cabinet made it very hard to defend your actions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Guantanamo, and other terrorism-related issues. It's still hard, but not as hard as it would have been with the picture of Secretary Gates pulling your strings.
For the same reasons I wish you had not chosen General Petraeus to head the CIA. To many people General Petraeus symbolizes the very unpopular wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. This perception may be unfair to the General, but what does fairness have to do with real life?
In short, you have a really tough re-election battle ahead. Your image has taken a beating. I don't
know the reasons behind the way you have
conducted yourself recently. but you don't seem to be the leader I voted for.
Even I, one of your strongest supporters in an area where the electorate would have much preferred Hillary Clinton, am having some serious concerns about my ability to speak effectively on your behalf. You could help me and your other supporters by sending some clear signals that show your fundamental dedication to the historic principles of the Democratic Party, and your willingness to fight strongly for them.
Mr. President, I don't know who you are or what you stand for. In 2008 I had hope, Now I have only a wish ... a wish for the strong progressive leader our country so desperately needs. If that's you, please "Be what you are and be it in style"❶. If you're someone else, please show us who you are.
❶ A phrase often written by Robert Heinlein for his "Lazarus Long" character.
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