I planned on writing about your speech to America's school children, but...

Dear President Obama,

I was doing the unpaid work of living (translation: the dishes) and overheard your comments today on the radio to the AFL-CIO in Ohio. I was so taken aback by what I heard, I quickly checked on-line for your exact quotation. I had hope that the water flowing in my sink must have muddled my hearing. I know it has been a long day for you as well, but this is what you said (about Health Care):

"We've never been this close. We've never had such broad agreement on what needs to be done. And because we're so close to real reform, the special interests are doing what they always do-trying to scare the American people and preserve the status quo. But I've got a question for them: What's your answer? What's your solution? The truth is, they don't have one. It's do nothing. "

Mr. President, pardon my blunt nature, but WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN FOR THE PAST MONTH?!?

Have you listened to any town hall meeting? I have heard great solutions shared at many of them.

Have you read any letters sent to the White House, or just the ones that make for good stories for your Wednesday night speech or that reinforce your ego? I've been priviledged to read at least three and they had GREAT solutions and REAL concerns.

Read the Wall Street Journal Op-Ed page? I have and I think some of the ideas laid out (John Mackey, Whole Foods) are innovative, simple changes.

I consider these SOLUTIONS, not "do nothing."

You want me to tell you about "do nothing?" Where are you when it comes to standing up to the trial lawyer special interests? That's a "do nothing." Where are you when it comes to listening to and acknowledging those who might have a different opinion than you? That's a "do nothing" for you and your Press Secretary.

I have never been more engaged and less willing to "do nothing" than now. I want health reform that incorporates personal responsibility, free market principles, and innnovation. To me, that is what happened over 200 years ago on our very soil. That is American. I want to make things better for this country. I want solutions, too. But what I do not want is solutions dripping with backroom deals by elitists who think they know better because they have a "mandate for change."

You want to have change? Stand up for real Americans, not the special interest group you happen to be speaking to at any given moment. Stop flip-flopping on a "public option." Make the choice and accept the consequences. Consider actually listening to some of the other alternatives instead of belittling, isolating, and imagining those voices don't exist.

Sir, if today's comments were a preview of your comments on Wednesday to a Joint Session of Congress, I am disappointed. You said it yourself, in your speech today. And I quote "That's the reform we need. That's the reform we're fighting for. To put aside the partisanship. To come together as a nation. To pass health insurance reform now-this year." If I don't see a change in the mocking tone, the belittling word choice, and the partisanship on Wednesday, you will again reveal your true color - a yellow coward.

Best wishes in your next two days of speech-giving. Oh, and as frustrated as I may be, I will be there for BOTH events!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jones