Memo to the President

MEMO

To: President Barack Obama

From: Students of American History

We do not debate the efficacy of appearing on late night television after a monologue in which the Vice President is chided for being windy followed by a sporadically amusing sketch involving items purportedly bought at a 99-cent store. At least you got to come onstage before Garth Brooks.

However, with respect, the presidency is diminished by statements like “they say if you want a friend in Washington get a dog.”

Again with respect, “they” do not say that. Your predecessor Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of these United States, said that. We commend the McCullough biography to you, assuming you have not already read it. 

The 33rd president also said: “It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job, it’s a depression when you lose your own.”

And, more importantly:

“Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”

Best to the First Lady and your wonderful daughters, sir.

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