To the editor:
Columnist Thomas Friedman wrote earlier this year that we wouldn't need any financial stimulus if the American people had confidence in Washington. I have to agree.
President Obama has allowed me to survive almost two years of unemployment. I, like millions of others, happened to be working in an industry — home renovations — that vanished when the economy crashed.
I think Obama is a man with more intelligence, integrity and strength than we've seen in decades. Our representatives need to exhibit the same integrity, strength and intelligence, and give him a chance. If they don't go beyond their individual needs to address the needs of our country, we won't have an environment to leave our children, an educational system, health care or a financial system.
Forget leaving a deficit for them. The deficit is critical to our financial stability; but saying no to everything paralyzes us and we're losing credibility as a nation. As Obama pointed out, he inherited the bulk of that deficit, anyway! How do Republicans have the nerve to act as if he created it?
I'm actually more afraid of our politicians than I am terrorists. If that's the Republican strategy, which it appears to be, there are millions of people whose lives are being destroyed by it, and that role model for our children will do more damage than any deficit ever will.
Obama is attempting to bring an intelligent, collaborative approach to a shark tank. Competition and self-interest are valued in the current political arena, and collaboration, kindness and working for the general good are considered signs of weakness.
The president's not playing a game to win, he's trying to tap the "brain trust" we've sent to Washington and get something done. I hope they can start providing some intelligent alternatives, and let him do it.
Barbara Bowker
Marblehead
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