Just Say, “Creating Jobs for America”

Our government’s leaders in Washington, D.C., fail so miserably when it comes to finding words that will inspire unity of purpose and build bipartisan consensus across the country. Quite the contrary, the wealthy, well-paid, and expensively-tailored pols in the White House and on Capital Hill – regardless of political party – have a style of speaking and writing that is incomprehensible to themselves, and to the rest of us.

A current example – “Economic Stimulus Package.” Using those three words are President Obama’s first big mistake, I believe. By using such flat, sterile and non-passionate words, President Obama has opened himself up to partisan criticism. Economic Stimulus (or Recovery) Package is not a phrase rooted in inspiration or that will bring people to their feet to cheer. It is just another vague example of bureaucracy double-talk that’s open to multiple interpretations. No goosebumps of excitement, and certainly no connection with people standing at an unemployment line today.

By using a phrase like, Economic Stimulus Package, our new President has by default perpetuated an environment of partisan dysfunction, for which Washington has become legendary. He talks about “change,” so now his words need to bring change to life. In order for us to embrace his ideas, we need to see and understand his vision more clearly through words that bring it home for us.

Why not say just remove the cloak of political vagueness, and use plain language words that connect with the America people, that clearly describe what the money will be used for? Why not just say, We are Creating Jobs for America.

We are Creating Jobs for America. How, then, would it be open to criticism? How would a politician on Capital Hill pontificate against the spending?

America’s factories are closing, schools are falling into disrepair, bridges rusting, highways crumbling, and the nation’s people losing work because of a lack of caring by Washington. We are Creating Jobs for America is what the money is all about. Just get to the point, Mr. President, and say it.

Related posts:

1. Today’s Myth: “Main Street America…”
2. Made in America
3. America’s bruised image and reputation
4. Rebuilding America’s Leadership
5. Erosion of Freedom of Expression in America

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