Unironic Advice for a Struggling President

Like most readers of this site, I read and study the political polls every day. No matter how one feels about the president, the polls for Obama are not good, and recent decisions on key issues may soothe certain political interest groups, while simultaneously poking a finger in the eye of others.

How about working on a few issues that virtually everyone agrees on?

1. High School Graduation - Embrace it every day. Talk about policies to keep students in school. Talk about the income differences based on high school diplomas versus high school dropouts. Don't worry about old policies like No Student Left Behind -- instead, talk about the future, and focus on the importance of getting to this first finish line.

2. Post High School Graduation - Embrace trade schools, community colleges and four year schools. Talk about dignity in working as well as a four year degree that many graduating high school students next June are unprepared to achieve (regardless of the reason).

3. Embrace lifelong learning and reading. Embrace using current technology for learning along with the social media opportunities of this same technology.

4. Embrace technology. Stop talking about the ATM machine costing jobs. It reminds this aging author of the man watching the steam shovel and remarking that the steam shovel was replacing one hundred men working with shovels, to which the man next to him remarked that it was actually replacing one thousand men with spoons. Talk about diplomas and degrees in software and other technologies. Talk about learning and understanding technology or being left behind.

5. Encourage good behavior. Talk about the culture of the flash mob as destructive to society. Talk about putting a flag on the front lawn and making sure you are eligible to vote in the same sentence. Talk about democracy.

6. Moving forward on a positive footing - Stop blaming anyone for anything. Don't demean anyone, particularly citizens that ask questions at political events. Get the word 'we' into every conversation. Find a way to praise someone, anyone and everyone. Regardless of the rhetoric in the Republican campaign, ignore it. The Republicans will do a worthy job of savaging each other over the next twelve months until the convention -- they really won't need your help. Be positive, look forward.

7. Stay at your desk and work. Every campaign speech or fundraising dinner away from Washington DC is another day away from your job. Every  vacation is another week away from your job. I honestly do not believe anyone seriously begrudges four hours on a weekend afternoon for golf if you are working the previous week. A bus tour followed by a vacation? That makes the golf look like you are not working.

8. Go to church every Sunday. You campaigned as a religious man.