With Congress coming back next week to deal with the so-called fiscal cliff and other issues, Republicans, led by House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (but especially Boehner) are probably going to continue their agenda of obstruct, oppose, obfuscate.

In that case, after negotiations show the Republicans continuing to suffer from their Oppositional Behavior Disorder, the President would be smart to appeal directly to the American people, as FDR did. He has the bully pulpit, and he should use it to ask voters to pressure Congress (especially the House) to break the gridlock in Washington, but more importantly, to support him in specific agenda items.

A write-in, email-in, campaign could go a long way towards convincing Republican House members that they may hold the majority seats, but the people's voice will be heard.

In a representative democracy, WE are the ultimate authority.