But if that gave some people heartburn, the actions of your administration in less than a year have struck a chord of fear -- not just with conservative Republicans, but increasingly with moderates, many of whom voted for you. For one thing, there are too many "czars" and bureaucrats. Many of them hold reigns of power granted them by executive branch fiat, and not by congressional approval.
Finally, there's a growing sense that the Chinese official who recently criticized American monetary policy may be right. In essence, he said the U.S. is printing so much money that it may one day be nearly worthless. Talk of the national debt used to mean little to the average voter. But now that most Americans are being forced to deal with their own private debt, they are far more sensitive to the issue. When they hear words like "trillions of dollars" being thrown around, it strikes home.
If I could suggest one overall theme you might adopt to bring comfort to uneasy Americans, Mr. President, it would be a renewed faith in and reliance on free enterprise. Right now, you're largely seen as a leader who thinks government is the solution to whatever ails us. That's why the word "socialism" is heard more and more, and not just among conservatives. It's also why many didn't trust you to address America's schoolchildren and why you had to alter the speech's language to avoid the appearance that you were trying to recruit school kids as social activists.
Months ago, I wrote that economic recovery would come sooner than most expect. A look at early September's stock market backs up that claim. But with credit too tight, consumers unwilling and unable to spend, a looming final implosion in commercial real estate, and an international community that now sees our government spending and debt as a threat to the global economy, I have to say my optimism is gone.
Mr. President, your speech to Congress should have been about issues other than health care. You now have little time to retool your perspective and agenda. The issues I've listed above are a serious threat to the success of your presidency and the future of our nation.