Advice for President Obama on Tolerance of Commentators

Max grew up as the son of a man who knew 'ALL' the answers to the problems of the world. Max's father said so! Many times, his father let everyone know that anyone who didn't know that he had the answers was a turkey or a knucklehead.

The famous Ma Bell, the second most powerful force in the world (next to God of course), thought so much of Max's father's opinions, that she made him 'Supervisor of Troubles'. This is true!

The advice Max promised you, Mr. President.

Don't let the kidding bother you!

Max knows that we can all be a little paranoid when we hear other people talking about us. It can be particularly true when they are saying things about us that do not match our perception of ourselves.

The preferred human tendency is to refuse to listen to them and consider them ignorant. After all, we knew what we meant when we did or said the thing they are commenting on.

As President you are also the lead jester in the world court. When you say something that isn't quite what was expected, the late night shows will make the most of it. With half of the press now owned outright by people that do not like anything that doesn't have far right tendencies, you know they are plotting ways to hammer every idea into pulp.

The press and comedians (even the very liberal ones) can be merciless in defining the best intended program or initiative to make it look like a crazy person designed it. That is how they sell advertising time. They need to do this for their survival.

You will find that given the right gaff, even your most ardent supporters in these groups will feel a need to comment on it. Endlessly comment on it! They will rerun and repeat it until everything they say about it will become gospel to the folks at home.

Though it is understood that you have a good sense of humor, even you will not be immune to the jibes. The American media will find a way to breech any armor you use to protect yourself.

It is important that you not let these attacks, which will rise out of things you do or say, affect your plans for the country.

The "free" press has always roasted the elected. Some times it had to be done from a distance. At other times the politician got to see his (usually his) picture on the evening or next morning tabloids.

One way to fight the tendency of the press to look for news in all the wrong places is to be continuously up front and available. This may not be an easy thing to do, as many around you will be quick to circle the wagons.

No matter what they say, if you give yourself access, you will have the last word.

Max wishes you well in all your efforts at an open government.

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