An open letter:
Hon. Steve Stivers, Representative–15th Ohio Congressional District, Washington, DC 20515
August 9, 2011
Dear Congressman Stivers,
I urge you to summon your leadership courage and find the methods to “reach across the aisle” to your colleagues in the House and forge the middle ground in the budget debates yet to come. We must all work together now, very diligently, to come together as Americans and listen to the visions and dreams we have of the country and its future. Finding a path towards a shared vision, with shared priorities and, yes, with issues on which we disagree, is the necessary work of our leaders NOW. How can we expect to reform expense and revenue areas without such a plan?
This act of respectful listening and compromise from the center for the common good has become, sadly, a lost art. In my view it has been replaced with a radicalization of narrow principle, and tinged with an especially infantile and twisted narcissism that breeds it. Left to fester any longer by ineffectual and cowardly leaders, AND by a feckless and selfish populace, it will doom this country. What an outrageous prospect–that our “principles” could doom what is still the “last best hope for humanity,” the United States of America.
I want you to know two things from our household:
1. We now reckon ourselves as “radical centrists” who are fed up with partisan politics that leads nowhere but off an economic and social cliff. We want YOU to be in the lead with fresh thinking about how to forge a strong center from the middle of this mess. We have been blessed with material success in this life which we feel obligates us to tell you that we are willing to both sacrifice “promised” entitlement benefits and pay more in taxes if we see the strength of the centrist agenda come to the floor of the House. That means compromise, pragmatism, and good will for the common good. If we do not see you leading this new path, we will be disappointed.
2. You have our full support, and best thoughts, hopes, and prayers for the strength, courage, and wisdom to bring us back together. We are rooting for you, Steve, and appreciate the difficult job you have. If I may be of any direct help to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very Sincerely Yours,
James B. (Jim) Sullivan
BUILT TO LEAD 