Dear President Obama,

It's not too late to take a stand on real financial reform.

Yes, you and the Democratic party will lose donations as large financial organizations start shifting their donations to the GOP.

But you won't need this money. Because you will have a real message to take to the people.

You can say "I fought for financial reform." And it will be easy to see who didn't.

This is the message you need in November. Even if you are unable to pass this reform. You need to be able to say you fought.

Why do Republicans believe they will win in November? Because the only message you have right now is "I passed a tepid, watered-down version of financial reform that didn't really change anything."

The only way you can lose is to choose not to fight.

I urge you, President Obama, to fight for real reform. Otherwise, not only do you risk the coming election, but you risk disillusioning an entire new generation of voters who supported you.

Sincerely,
David Akadjian

I think the dilemma that the Democrats face is twofold: 1) that many of them don't want to lose the strong financial support they've received from Wall St. in the past, and 2) they don't want to be portrayed as weak for losing on any issue (what happened to Clinton w/ healthcare)

To earn the Wall St buck, they want to appear populist, yet when it comes to actual legislation, not really change much.

Similar to how Republicans become deficit hawks when out of office. Appear populist. Get elected. Then spend like convicts with credit just out of jail.

Both parties do it. Sell populism to the country, then turn around and play to business interests.

The heart of this issue is that money is required to win elections. And most politicians from both sides find that the easiest way to get money is by serving the interests of large businesses.

Some thoughts on ways to fix this:
1) More media coverage of lobbyist influence
2) Better campaign finance reform - probably not going to happen given that this has to come from the very people taking the money
3) New ways of raising money - Alan Grayson's campaign, for example, where he raises lots of money from small online donors
4) Improved public awareness of this system of greed
5) A major politician like Barack Obama decides to take a stand and fight for an unpopular issue that benefits the middle class - even at the risk of losing

As I've been writing this, I started realizing that this is what has bothered me the most so far about Obama and Democrats w/ a big 'D'. They seem afraid of losing. So they compromise down to a point where they win, but what do they win?

I'd argue that if there was one issue worth taking a chance and taking a risk, it would be financial reform. Why? Because if you lose on this, you would still win big politically.

I think Obama missed a huge opportunity with financial reform.

Cheers
David

Well, there is always Obama's plan for Border Security..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzDlN7VLmXQ&feature=player_embedded

While Obama's plan is slightly... SLIGHTLY... better than Paul's, it's not sufficient..

Michale.....

Anything that is GOOD for banks and Wall St is BAD for Joe Q Public...

Michale......