Presidential Connections

I sat at my desk this morning, re-reading a thank you letter sent to me by former President Bush, and the tears welled up in my eyes. Do any of you realize that we have lost the connection to our President?

Even as a child growing up, we were able to send letters or small gifts to our President, just to encourage or thank him for being our President. It's a tough job, that. Even though our Chief of State has always been wealthier than the average person, they seemed like one of us: success stories of people who worked hard, and came to make the nation a better place.

This President has made a lot of noise about being reachable and open. Yet it has been the exact opposite. His Blackberry notwithstanding,the sense is that the "real person" aspect of the Presidency is gone. He simply doesn't feel like "one of us." Now, before someone tries to tell me that's racial, it's not. He could be Asian, Native American, Black, or Martian for all I care -- it's the personal sense of a man that tells us they are approachable by ordinary citizens.

If you read the White House web site these days, you will find a fairly strongly worded statement that says no gifts. You aren't supposed to send them a book for encouragement like previous administrations (I've sent several before). And I suspect letters will come back form letters with stamped signatures rather than real ink.(If you get a reply at all). I was going to send the first kids a photo of my dog and a letter of encouragement for them with Bo, but no way after that slap in the eye from the website. It simply is not personable- and makes ordinary citizens feel like we are beneath his dignity.

The wonderful thing about America has always been that the President is reachable, and teachable. He understands and has compassion for the people of his country. He learns from the circumstances and alters his course if necessary. He feels the plight of the poor, but understands the importance of the business community. His first priority is security and protection. He balances left and right and tries to work with both. He tries to get consensus, not ram his own agenda down our throats. It doesn't feel that way anymore -- and I think that means we are in trouble as a nation. With a Congress that will likely be at least halfway unseated this year because of voter anger, and a President who is unreachable and unteachable, we've got some serious days ahead. Whether or not this all stems from a broken home in his childhood or an upbringing of false doctrines, it still shows as personally bad for the people of America. If I'm wrong, Mr. President, prove it.