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Dear President-elect Obama

Dear President-elect Obama:

By the time this month is over, America — and, yes, that includes us Okies — will have inaugurated a new president.

It is, by all accounts, a historical moment; the country’s first black president, elected during a time of severe financial turmoil and strife in the world.

But, inversely, it’s also an opportunity.

A chance for you to make changes for the better and to improve the lives of millions of those who call this country their home.

With that in mind, I’d like to offer you a few suggestions for your administration.

•Be open. Talk to the press on a regular basis; tell them up front what you’re trying to do. Sure there are times when you need to keep things quiet but, overall, an open dialogue with members of the Fourth Estate will benefit you greatly.

•No matter what you do, you will always have critics. Accept that. There are many people on both sides of the political landscape who are sure that they are 100 times smarter than you.
They are absolutely positive they know better. Don’t worry; they don’t. Seek their input, hear what they have to say, but in the end, do what you think is right. You’ll sleep better.

•Learn quickly the difference between governing and campaigning. Your campaign is over. Now the hard work begins. As president you are the leader of more than 350 million Americans and most of ‘em can’t even agree on whether or not Elvis is dead. Now you need to govern. You’ll need to balance needs versus wants against available resources. Those steeped in Washington politics can be an asset, but most of the time they aren’t. Understand that and learn from it.

•Be yourself. You’re blessed with a speaking ability that few possess. Take your messages public, talk to those you represent and, most of all, be yourself. You have a great deal of hard work to do over the next four years, but you can make your job so much easier by simply being yourself.

•Know that many support you. Millions upon millions of Americans have placed their hope in your hands. Know that you are not alone; million want to help and are willing to do so. Sure not everyone is going to agree with everything you do, but at this point in time, the country has your back. Take advantage of that and roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Good luck and God bless,
M. Scott

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