Dear President Obama,
I have heard and read reports of your efforts to reach out to leaders in Congress concerning the open seat on the US Supreme Court. In spite of your efforts, it appears that Mr. McConnell and the Republican caucus in the Senate are still determined to wait until the next President takes office, and sends them a nomination. Apparently, they feel that in choosing a new President, the American people will also be choosing the next nominee for the court. I can imagine that this fills you with frustration, and yes, while I don’t agree with it, I can also see the map of thinking by a Republican Majority Leader. It is not without logic, but I’m not sure it serves the country very well. So, what do you do?
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I have an idea about what you can do on this issue. I believe my idea resonates with both your position as President, and your skills as a constitutional professor and a very capable public speaker. Frankly, I believe it connects with your passions, and many of your core beliefs as I understand them. So, what is my idea?
Leave the “fight” behind on filling the open US Supreme Court position, and take the high ground. Begin a persistent conversation with the America people about the US Constitution, and the US Supreme Court. In this campaign season, make this your campaign. Become a professor to the nation on this issue, and these topics. Calmly remind us of the steps required to fill the open seat, and where responsibility for each step lies. Resist sarcasm and embrace sincerity. Through history lessons, remind us what qualifications and attributes the greatest justices brought to the bench. President Kennedy gave a speech with similar intent on the topic of peace at American University on June 10, 1963. He was eloquent as I believe you can be.
Rise above the partisanship and tug of war between the Democratic and Republican parties. Ignore the special interests. Focus on helping America find a new justice who will do their part in fair constitutional interpretation, and writing good law. Then after all of this, you may find that the American people will tell both the Republicans and the Democrats in the Senate that they should consider a nomination by you. Or, at least you will know that if you are unable to submit a nominee, you have prepared the ground by raising the bar of excellence so that the next President will have to meet a high standard with their nominee. The American people will require it.
I know these suggestions and my thoughts are unconventional, but all of us are longing for quiet steady leadership. If you will give us this leadership, you will be as a “father to the nation,” and be taking steps which will unite us. You are clearly a loving husband to First Lady Michelle, and a dedicated father to Sasha and Milia. So, I believe this role will feel comfortable to you. By leading in this way, you will be laying the corner stones and building blocks of a great appointment, whoever makes it. Spend the time with all of us in America to build our expectations for excellence. Then it’s up to us. I believe in America as you do, and I don’t think we’ll let you down.
President Obama, great Presidents are remembered for how they lead the country, not their party. Leaders don’t always do what is expected. That’s why they are leaders. Do the unexpected.
God bless you and God bless America,
David W. Wygant
Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.
