Advice to U.S. Citizens Regarding President Obama

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Now almost a week after the Presidential Inauguration, U.S. citizens need to consider how they will navigate an Obama presidency.

A week ago, Aunt Savvy offered advice to President Obama; now, U.S. citizens, it's your turn. She offers three categories of advice: To (1) "The One" Advocates; (2) "The Middletons," those who may have offered lukewarm support to either Obama or McCain during the election, but who have decided to stand behind our president, albeit with open eyes; and (3) "Not the One" Detractors who plan to crawl into a big hole until 2012 or 2016.

Aunt Savvy Disclaimer: she is an avid Barack Obama supporter, so this advice pertains to her as well, mostly under the first category as she tries to dip into category two.

"The One" Advocates

With all due respect to Oprah (who seems to be the one who coined "The One" as it pertains to President Obama), those who fall into this category need to take off their blinders.

Aunt Savvy is convinced that while this intelligent and thoughtful president has the best of intentions, he will make mistakes. BIG ones. It comes with the job. He will also make GREAT decisions, but know the difference, and be prepared to take the President to task for his fumbles.

Contrary to popular belief, President Obama does not walk on water. He is not God, but a human being subject to human frailty. Also, he is likely to enact legislation you might not like; you're not going to agree with every decision he makes, nor should you. In fact, it would be dangerous if a majority turned a blind eye if a charismatic leader turned bad.

As citizens, we should retain and even embrace our watchdog privilege.

Although it might be tempting to refer to President Obama as our African-American president, keep in mind that he represents ALL Americans. Thus, if he makes a decision that seems to "go against" African-American issues, please remember that he is trying to make the best decisions for the country as a whole.

If "The One" disappoints you (and he will), don't blindly turn against him; allow him to make his mistakes, and, most important, learn to forgive. Remember: we are often most hurt by the people we adore the most.

Don't automatically dismiss all conservatives; they are not wrong all of the time or even most of the time. Listen to some of the more moderate conservatives--they offer some good talking points.

Avoid Bloviators from either the far left or the far right. Talk radio and newspapers are full of "haters," those who hate just for the sake of demonizing "the other side."

If you slip into The Middletons category, that is not necessarily a bad thing, unless you're Michelle Obama or other Obama family member. That simply means that you have become more realistic in your expectations.

The Middletons

You are already doing the right things because you have decided to give our new president a chance to prove himself and support him, at least for now.

If you voted for President Obama, you did so with some reluctance. In the end, you may have felt that of two choices, he offered the best possibility for success. Or maybe your vote was more "against" the Republicans than "for" Obama. In any case, your support was waffly.

If you voted for Senator John McCain, it wasn't because you disliked Obama; maybe you just felt Obama was too inexperienced or that the Republicans (without George Bush) offered the best hope for this country. Now, however, you are willing to make the best of the situation by giving the President a chance to prove himself.

Good for you; you, as a Middleton, have an opportunity to make a difference and keep an eye on this administration with an open mind. You're the ones your legislators will take seriously because YOU are likely to decide the presidency in 2012.

Important: keep in touch with your legislators and your local press about the issues closest to you, but do so in a respectful and intelligent manner. SIGN your letters; your words will have more clout if you stand behind them.

Avoid Bloviators from either the far left or the far right. Talk radio and newspapers are full of "haters," those who hate just for the sake of demonizing "the other side."

"Not the One" Detractors

Okay, you didn't vote for President Obama, and you will never like Democrats, especially liberals. What is more, you dislike President Obama, and the idea of supporting him makes you sick on your stomach. (Aunt Savvy understands that feeling; 2001-2008 were difficult years for her.)

However, the next four years are likely to be better for you if decide to give our president a fighting chance to prove himself. He WILL do some things right; just keep your ears open, and don't assume that every utterance is against conservatives.

Don't assume that every piece of legislation is going to hurt conservatives; do your research.

Although it might be tempting to refer to President Obama as an African-American president, keep in mind that he represents ALL Americans. Thus, if he makes a decision that seems to "go against" your ethnic group, please remember that he is trying to make the best decisions for the country as a whole.

Choose your battles; write your legislators and your local press about the issues closest to you, but do so in a respectful and intelligent manner. SIGN your letters; your words will have more clout if you stand behind them. If you feel uncomfortable signing your letters, rewrite until you do. Otherwise, you're just blowing hot air, and no one will take you seriously.

Don't automatically dismiss all liberals; they are not wrong all of the time or even most of the time. Listen to some of the more moderate liberals--they can offer some good talking points.

Avoid Bloviators from either the far left or the far right. Talk radio and newspapers are full of "haters," those who hate just for the sake of demonizing "the other side."

In summary, be prepared to support the presidency as much as you can; however, do pay attention to President Barack Obama's policies and how he enacts them.

Most important, stay informed.
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