An open letter to Obama
Editor, The Times:
Wednesday, Mr. President, you will be giving your first official State of the Union address as president of these United States [“In State of Union, Obama has work cut out for him,” page one, Jan. 24]. Before being called the State of the Union address, this speech was called “the president’s annual message to Congress” and I think you should return it to such.
Please, stand up on Wednesday night and tell the American people that they are welcomed to listen but the message you have is not for them — but for the Congress. Turn to that joint body and tell them this is our last good chance — with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on campaign financing, we may not get another.
Tell them that we must pass, via budget reconciliation, a health-care bill that will take effect in mere months, not years. The American people must feel the change swiftly.
The time for bipartisanship is over. The Republican Party has demonstrated again and again that they will not work toward any common good that will be perceived as a “win” by the Democratic Party. We attempted bipartisanship and since have heard nothing but complaints.
We need the Republican Party for one thing, though: as a model of efficiency. We Democrats need to get in line and stop the infighting. We need to realize that getting some of what we need is better than getting none of what we want.
Please, Mr. President, I think you are our last best chance, and I’m afraid this is your last best chance.
— Barbara G. Workman, Atascadero, Calif.