My letter to the president

Hello President Obama,
I have two comments, one based on a policy concern and one suggestion.

I will describe my policy concern first because my suggestion is on the lighter note but equally important in my opinion. I read today of the national trade deficit and our more realistic and conservative regression from exceptional intake patterns to the current leveling of what our nation can import against what can be exported. I think as a matter of policy, public outreach dollars should be dedicated to teaching the adult population of this country about the concept of over-consumption. Our economic situation is exacerbated by the quantity of products that the United States commits to take in yearly from the global market and our output is stifled in comparison which creates an unsustainable scenario. There was mass growth at unprecedented rates and obvious excess. Our current economic situation is the product of an unbalanced checkbook.

I think that a cultural shift is needed for our country to emerge from this economic situation. I also think that the ARRA funding would have maximum long term benefit if as part of the allocations a level of public outreach was dedicated to bringing the public up to speed with the impact of the US economy in the global market and how consumer choices drive that same market. The black box approach is just not going to serve the needs of the public in these times and we all deserve to understand what the impact of our consumer choices has meant to our long term investment choices.

On a lighter note, I recently read that Ex-President Eisenhower took a three month cross country trek along Lincoln Highway. I think in light of our promise to open and accessible government coupled with the heaviness of the times that such a venture could really benefit the morale of the country! I think the American public would love to see you hit the road for a few days at the very least. I know I'd come to see you!

Thanks for all you do, I think you're doing a great job.

Regards,

New Orleans, LA