History 1

Imagine you are an advisor to President Obama. Write a letter to him in which you advise him as to how to succeed in the "Great Recession" by using FDR in the Great Depression as an example. Your advice should be presented as strategy for his first (and possible second) term as President. You should consider strategy in the following areas: US economy, relationship with Congress, relationship w/American society, as a political leader (getting laws through Congress, leading his party, etc.), and establishing himself and his ideas in American history. FDR provides clear examples in all of these areas and should be the basis of your advice for Obama's present & future. Cite all of your sources. Also, consider this a possible Ampersand piece.

Dear Mr. President,

In a time like this, our nation is in critical need of hope and economic reconstruction. It is not necessary to console with words, but instead act upon promises, create relationships, and by doing so—establish yourself in American history.One inspiring and influential past leader, who has successfully mended a broken economy, is Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I will frequently refer to him.

The first major improvement we need to act upon is creating bills that perfect insurance policies, savings accounts, and financial issues. During the Great Depression, FDR created the Social Security Act. This policy reshaped the government immensely, and allowed elderly people to retire. If we create bills, this will strengthen the economy faster.

The second thing we need to do is cut the amount of money banks can lend. Since Americans have taken loans, many have not been able to pay the money back. This not only affects their family and credit, but it affects the bank, the natural flow of the economy, and in the larger picture—the nation. If we cut the amount banks can lend, we will then prevent future economic downfalls due to loans, foreclosures, and bankruptcy. History has repeated itself, and we see that begin during the Great Depression and now repeat in the “Great Recession.”

Another important thing we need to do is create a relationship with our democratic party. Many liberals have lost hope because your Medicare plans are constantly rejected by Congress, which leads me to my next point.

It is crucial that we create a relationship with Congress. We need to gain their trust by listening to their opinions and feedback, and having evidence to support our proposals.

By following these tips and by integrating your own opinions into them, I can assure you that the economy will slowly improve. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Dani Toscano