Holding the Feet to the Fire

In his weekly address this morning, President Obama gave another indication that he gets it - we're sick of politicians that are beholden to big financial interests, and want our government to care for the interests of all Americans regardless of their personal wealth. For we who believed him when he said he would not take lobbyist or corporate PAC money during the campaign because he wanted to represent all Americans and not just the wealthy, his statement this morning rings of the fulfillment of the campaign promise.

Citing the news that Wall Street firms paid out nearly $20 billion in bonuses for 2008 even as they petitioned Congress and the Treasury Department for financial help, the President called for:

"... a new strategy for reviving our financial system that gets credit flowing to businesses and families. We'll help lower mortgage costs and extend loans to small businesses so they can create jobs. We'll ensure that CEOs are not draining funds that should be advancing our recovery. And we will insist on unprecedented transparency, rigorous oversight, and clear accountability -- so taxpayers know how their money is being spent and whether it is achieving results." (emphasis added)

I am thankful and proud that we finally have a President who will hold corporate leaders' feet to the fire - this is the kind of leadership and change we voted for in November.

It will be important for all of us to stand by the President as he pushes Congress and the Treasury Dept. to follow his lead. Please stay informed and keep the contact information for your representatives in Congress nearby.

Watch the full weekly address: