Talking to the American people-on being Presidential

Between 1933 and 1944 President Roosevelt held thirty fireside chats over the radio with the American people. He calmed fears, explained the reasons for his policies and the social changes he felt were needed. In other words, he gradually gained the publics confidence and support. He was even compared with Abraham Lincoln. Although he had a friendly Congress, his efforts at legislation were enhanced by gaining the support of the people.

Compare that approach with our current President who has trouble looking anyone in the face or communicating in anything other than a campaign mode.

I have a few suggested topics for Mr Obama to communicate with all Americans, to truthfully explain the problem, to explain his proposed solution and why he believes they are good solutions and to urge Americans to ask Congress for action. You know, rather than simply blaming Congress for not doing anything.

The current state of Social Security (use the Trustees Report from your own appointees)

The current state of Medicare (use the Trustees Report from your own appointees)

How we will deal with the national debt and the risk of rising interest rates

The state of the highway trust fund and how it will be sustained long term (other than allowing employers to avoid current funding of promised pensions).

Tax reform, real tax reform. Instead of populist and hypocritical rhetoric against inversions, fix the tax laws to benefit American business and individuals.

President Barack Obama has been bashing companies that pursue offshore mergers to reduce taxes. He hasn’t talked about the people behind the deals — some of whom are his biggest donors.

Executives, advisers and directors involved in some of the tax-cutting transactions include Blair Effron, an investment banker who hosted Obama for a May fundraiser at his two-level, 9,000-square-foot apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Others are Jim Rogers, co-chairman of the host committee for the 2012 Democratic National Convention; Roger Altman, a former senior Treasury Department official who raised at least $200,000 for Obama’s re-election campaign; and Shantanu Narayen, who sits on the president’s management advisory board. Bloomberg.com

That should be enough for a few serious talks to the American people … And try sitting at your desk and look at us for a change.

You know, like this: