October 24-28, 2011: My Message to President Obama

Thanks to Blogger’s meticulous recordkeeping, I know Unemployment Lines has an inexplicably sizable following in Russia. I know I have a smattering of readers in Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as a few loyal quacks in Malaysia, China and Pakistan.

I’ve also learned that there are many Democrats in my readership, though this information came to me in a much more personal way than Blogger’s pie charts. When the Obama campaign posted on Facebook that it is looking for editors and writers, a gaggle of wonderful people forwarded me the news.

Liv taking in Obama's election-night rally.

Thus far on my blog, I’ve avoided talking about politics at all costs. It’s a divisive topic—especially these days—and I haven’t wanted to come off as a raving political lunatic. I’ve been content merely to come off as a raving lunatic in general, which is why I’ve limited my focus to matters such as my cat Fluffy, my ailments, my guitar and, of course, my lack of a job.

But after the outpouring of goodwill from my readers, it’s time to come clean: Thank you for the heads up on the job openings because, yes, I’m a staunch supporter of Barack Obama. In 2008, I even took my family to Chicago’s Grant Park for the election-night rally. Though an eight-year-old Liv was asleep on the infield dirt of a softball diamond when it was announced that Obama had been elected the 44th president, at least she’ll always be able to say she was part of history.

Things haven’t worked out as planned for either Obama or the country—he walked into an absolute shitstorm, and the absolute shitstorm remains. And for me, the irony is that I lost my job during the administration of this man I so admire.

But I still believe—I still think he’s the one who can lead us out of this mess. Plus, I need a job. (I love it when idealism and pragmatism coalesce.)

So I have a message for you, President Obama: I’m ready, willing and more than able to lend my talents to the cause. View me as the first step in your jobs-recovery plan.