OPINION:
“Hope and change” is a catchy slogan but a poor political strategy. It worked to get out the votes for President Obama when Republicans could not find any words to make John McCain palatable to independents. Who wouldn’t choose hope and change over old and crotchety?
But hope is not really an American sentiment. We don’t like to sit around hoping something will happen or that someone will intervene to make things better. Hope is a word for those who are trapped or powerless and in need of rescue. We hope help will arrive soon.
Americans are action-oriented. We jump in, take charge, make things happen, shake things up. We are not victims. We are fighters, overcomers, achievers. We create value from nothing, start businesses, work hard, meet objectives, demand excellence and expect to win. We do not like losers and can’t stomach whiners.
Make it happen, get it done, just do it. These encouragements motivate Americans. We want to do something, take some action to fix our problems.
Franklin D. Roosevelt asked every American to serve the nation in the call for war. He articulated a clear vision of who we were as Americans, what we were fighting to preserve and what the future held for us. When victory came, every American could say they did their part in the effort. His vision and call to action united the American people.
Dividing us, pitting one group against another is destructive and un-American. A leader unites and inspires. Remind us of what we are fighting to preserve. Provide a clear vision of the future, make a call to action and lead the way. Then, quit your whining, get it done and make it happen.
BONNIE GARRISON
Tallula, Ill.
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