Advice from Average Jane to President-Elect Obama

I'd like to commend you for having the bravery to sit at the helm of the runaway train that our government has become. This bravery doesn't surprise me because I believed you were sincere every time you said the election wasn't about you, but that it was about the American people. We the people have proven over and over again that we turn away from no challenge, no matter how daunting, and last Tuesday we came together against all odds to make history in an election that was symbolic of all the best values for which America stands.

We all know we need much more than a symbolic victory, though. Your term will start in the midst of one of the most difficult periods in a century. I don't envy your position, as the problems we face are so many they overwhelm. I placed my faith in you largely for your ability to keep a clear head and look those problems face-on, so I expect more of the same when you're in office. Because you seem to genuinely care about the fates of average Americans, please allow this average Jane to give you a bit of advice.

Just as your election proved that the racial divide in our country can be healed, and after reading your book, The Audacity of Hope, I believe you have the potential to put the partisan divide behind us and bring moral people on both sides together for the good of our country. Our practical problems can't be solved when hatred is the loudest voice in our political discourse. Please find a new paradigm for a new century and be open to valid ideas no matter where they arise.

Please consider promoting reform of the election process so that we have free, fair elections in the United States where all votes count. Your supporters showed up at the polls in record numbers to ensure that the election could not be stolen this time, but that possibility should not exist at any time.

Please work to formulate a plan to repair our economy that includes accountability. America was built on the backs of the same kind of hardworking people who are in foreclosure now while they watch Wall Street and mortgage companies being handed a free pass. I want to believe in "Yes, we can!" but the truth is that if we continue to place corporate interests above those of the people, we really can't.

Please be true to your promise to provide quality health care to every American at the lowest cost possible. If you do nothing else during your presidency, this will make the biggest difference to the largest number of Americans, bringing our country in line with the rest of the civilized world and ensuring your place in history as a great president.

Please consult with military commanders, both past and current, to formulate an action plan to get our service people out of Iraq within two years. This may require help from foreign allies, but the US has been standing on our own for far too long. I believe that with your charisma and intelligence you have the ability to repair our relationship with the rest of the world, and once again we'll be a leader on the world stage rather than a rogue.

Finally, please know that this average Jane and millions more like me are behind you all the way. We don't expect miracles. We just expect what you've already given us - the straight truth, no matter how hard it is to swallow, sweetened with a little bit of hope.