If the election ofPresident Obama said anything, itis that we, the American people, are more than ready to move forward. We want to help. We are eager to help. All we need is leadership and direction.
I think President Obama should draw on this untapped desire by calling on us, as FDR did in World War II, for public service. Yes, call on us to volunteer and guide us to where we are needed. More practically, ask each household to donate $100 to a fund to help with mortgages. For our general economic woes, start an economic bond drive. We came together after 9/11.Let us help again in a positive way.
This article appears in Nov 13-20, 2008.