Parade ran an article “Attention Mr. President!” in its November 4. 2012 news supplement. The article included suggestions from citizens involved with various organizations in the United States.

Suggestions included: reform the way Congress works; enact tough fiscal measures seen as fair to all segments of American society; build on proven ways to educate all American children; reform immigration laws to insure a pipeline of hard working, talented immigrants; reign in healthcare costs with more efficient billing methods; adopt measures to achieve energy independence; create training and jobs for veterans; strengthen infrastructure. (Examine the details here.)

We Americans have had a reputation as a practical people, able to seek the middle ground and  hammer out innovative solutions to problems. The point of the article was a wake up call to our leaders to conquer our present tendency toward paralyzing polarization.