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As someone who lived as a homeless addict for many years, then found recovery and realized a great deal of financial success during the early part of the 2000's...owning three homes, having a high-powered sales job, perfect credit and lots of money...and now having lost it all again...the job, the homes, the credit...I am familiar with change. I feel communication is the most important part of making a change or transition. Even if the future is uncertain, being able to communicate that uncertainty and to talk about what you are planning is helpful both to yourself and to others who are concerned about your welfare.

With regard to Obama's presidency and the first two years, I feel it is critical that he maintain in close communication with the American people. I really feel he should take a page from FDR's "Fireside Chats" and have national addresses on a regular, scheduled basis. Updates about what is happening, what is working, what is planned. After the largely autocratic Bush administration, one of the things that needs to be healed and changed is opening up the "black box" of the executive branch of our government. This will allow Americans to feel they are actually participating in their government.

J.S. McDaniel
Portland, OR

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
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