garden

Stand up and remind the American people that we are a nation of tough, innovative, can-do individuals and not just a nation of mindless consumers who have nothing to contribute but our sales receipts. Be an example! Plant a Victory Garden, encourage carpooling, put solar panels on the White House, offer a prize to the person who redesigns Air Force One as the most fuel-efficient airplane aloft. Americans love a challenge, so challenge us! It would be a refreshing change from "fear-and-shop."

Announce plans for a large organic Victory Garden on the First Lawn with the produce going to the White House kitchen and local food pantries. The White House is "America's House" and should serve as a model at a time of economic and environmental crisis. President-elect Obama would not be breaking with tradition, but returning to it (the White House has had food gardens before) and leading by personal example on global challenges such as food security, climate change, and energy independence.