THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN---ARE YOU LISTENING, PRESIDENT OBAMA??

The American people are often referred to knowingly by politicians, as if they can read our minds and we're some kind of portable entity that can be handed around and used to their advantage. "The American people want ---this, or that", and of course it's always whatever the politician is trying to advance. Well, the people themselves, have now spoken---loud and clear. Make that loud, maybe not so clear--at least not to Pres. Obama. The message that got through was that things have changed since he took office. No longer the wildly popular man who was going to make everything better, President Obama looked chastened and tired as he gave his speech---but he did not seem to get the gist of the message the majority of voters sent. As though he couldn't bear to admit to wrong decisions and policies, he repeatedly stated that this defeat was due to the fact that he had not communicated his policies clearly enough---it isn't the clarity that's missing, Prez--- we get it. The question is: Do you? Whether it's the ailing economy, the continued over spending, the threat of higher taxes, or the very unpopular health care bill, or all of the above, this is a president and a country that's in trouble---and the people responded the only way they could--- with votes that screamed NO----we are not happy with the situation. Do something else, or we will replace you. It's a tough job, but you asked for it. Well, now is the time to show us what you're really made of. It is true, we handed you a mountain of problems as you entered the presidency, but it seems you added to them, perhaps even used them to build your own brand of government with the rationale that such things had to be done to save the country. The result has been a loss of confidence in you and in the direction you are taking us.You can start by losing the combative words, such as suggesting the Republicans "sit in the back of the car" "hand to hand combat"( a reference to how the congress will have to operate if the Republicans gain more power"), and simply allowing others to disagree without fear of public humiliation (Supreme Court Judge Roberts). You could also begin to make all of us feel more included in your circle, instead of referring to some of us as "the folks on the other side". You are the president of all us "folks"!

Whether President Obama finally hears the depth of desperation and outrage expressed by the majority of voters remains to be seen. Will he lead, according to what the majority wants, or just ask us to obediently follow his dictates? Is he capable for the purpose of rescuing himself and his party from a defeat in 2012, of being more pragmatic driven and less idealogical? If he is, then we will see a shift to the center; if not,we may see the very rapid demise of this once phenomenally popular president. This has got to be a tough decision for a man not accustomed to giving in and compromising. It is not his style, nor has he experienced the give and take that goes on in corporations, businesses, and even the Senate, where he served only for a short time. To add to his problems, there is the tug and pull within in his own party ---the extreme left, who feel he hasn't done enough to advance their agendas for bigger government, and those who are more moderate and think he has gone overboard. At some point, he will have to decide which way he will lead, and therein lies his destiny---and ours, perhaps, as well.

This mid term election was not just about the issues facing this country. The passion and over- all interest seems to indicate that it was at least just as much, maybe even more, a battle over ideologies. The deep divisions within this country go a lot deeper than the economy, though that is symtomatic of problems that need to be addressed. We are at this time, perhaps more than ever before, divided between two differing philosophies of governance--it's very simple---more or less government in our lives. It is time to make that decision, and the fight is on. The Republicans will now lead the charge for less government. There are those who believe there is no time for the Republicans to try to "go along, to get along", as is so typical in Washington politics, because too much has already happened to alter our traditional government, and that Obama's liberal agendas must be dramatically slowed or halted. It may not be advisable for the Republicans to play nice this time---the conservatives, with the tea party activists adding heavy influence, are watching. Ironically, if the Republicans choose to be more moderate against this very left leaning administration, they may be digging their own graves. Meanwhile, the Democrats are licking their wounds and already gearing up for the next election , with Obama leading the way--and at the same time challenged to dial down the divisive rhetoric and keep peace, or at least a civil tone with everyone----an impossible mission? There are those who have done it, like Clinton and Reagan. If Obama fails to complete his mission---he may be toast next time around. It all makes for the most exciting game in town---you gotta love politics!

Let us hope that we all find a way to keep our heads and our hearts steady as we go. We are in the midst of a huge narrative being discussed and written for all of us----will we retain our constitutional values and way of life, or will we dramatically change course and become more European in the way we choose to be governed? May we not lose sight of our original spirit and purpose---to be as independent as possible, while still caring for those who need it. And may we not forget that , unlike Obama's recent slip of the tongue would imply ---none of us are the" enemy". We are one people forging a way into a rather precarious future, with these common hopes---survival, and a quest to live well and free. However you feel, now is the time to join the "story" as it is being written. Become part of the dialogue-----because it's not "just politics" anymore. It's all about us and our children's life styles. economic well being, and even their security. Think about it, talk about, and let your opinions be known---so that the story of us will include and be the result of an informed, actively engaged public---not just some politician's idea of what "the American people" think or want.