By Robert S. Siegel
This blog will not gush over President Obama on this 100 day milestone. Neither will we look for reasons to bash him.
We would like to see President Obama take advantage of what may be the greatest opportunity any president has had in modern American history to establish our nation as a world leader in commerce, science and technology, diplomacy, security, the arts; this list could go on to include all of those things that make our nation the greatest nation on earth.
This President has two valuable characteristics that are not often found in combination with each other. First, the President has excellent rapport with young people across cultural and economic lines (I think people still call this “Cool”). Second, he is highly educated and because he is the president of the United States of America he has reached the pinnacle of American achievement. That combination of cool and achievement could enable President Obama to lead our nation through a transformation far greater than the alteration of healthcare and economics he’s currently pursuing. This president has the unique ability to change our culture from one of dependence, mediocrity, and anti-intellectualism to a culture that glorifies achievement.
Note: I use the word, Achievement, as the realization of success or excellence in all manner of endeavors, from achievement as a student, entrepreneur, school teacher, aid worker, community organizer, writer, plumber, doctor, to street sweeper.
Even President Obama’s most dedicated critics must agree that President Obama symbolizes the American Dream, the stereotypical underdog that succeeds dramatically. The bi-racial child, a “Mutt,” to use his words, which is possibly the most ostracized person in any culture, becomes the first African American President as a result of his hard work, an excellent education, and wonderful command of the English language (something sorely lacking in African American and white Americans).
Instead of focusing so much of his time on tactical issues like the economy and healthcare, he should focus his bully pulpit on evolving an Americanized version of culture similar to Asian educational and work ethic. I say Americanized to stress a combination of personal responsibility, work ethic, and enjoyment of life (my impression, which may not be valid, is that the Asian cultures could use a little American fun in their work life).
Americans do not value Achievement. If you doubt me, go to any high school or any work site and observe and engage the people. Enough said.
Progress, meaning a significant increase in the way our society values achievement, will dramatically change the demands on health care and economic reform because more citizens will be able to take care of their own needs. A government solution won’t be needed. Further, an achievement based economy will be far better prepared to succeed in the global economy because we will be more innovative, flexible, and competitive. A strong economy will enable us to pay down the debt created by the Economic Stimulus package.
In summary, President Obama could use his coolness and bully pulpit to lead the United States through a cultural change that would re-establish our country as a world leader through the rest of the 21st century.
A much lesser individual could work on healthcare in the future.
