The Bush administration’s effectiveness has collapsed and the presidential candidates are acting as supplicants for votes rather than as leaders of the American people. The scene is set for fear to become panic, making the finding of creative solutions nearly impossible.

The time is past for the candidates to promise change when “I become president of the United States.” It is time to stop the campaigning and begin leading at once. If inspired to believe that their efforts will be well-organized and well-led, the American people can take back their country without legislation or increasing the national debt.

What a breath of fresh air it would be if the candidates collaborated in asking the American people to address our financial problems as volunteers. For example, lawyers, real estate agents, accountants and others could counsel individuals facing foreclosure, helping them to negotiate loans they can afford.

There is enormous wealth among individuals in this country. Would many of them respond to exhortation to patriotism, asking them to invest in special bond funds? The proceeds of the funds could be used to insure short-term loans to businesses.

Other ideas can be generated by the candidates, who have immediate access to national attention and are in a position to offer the inspiration most Americans crave.

My advice to the candidates: Stop asking for votes and ask the American people for their help. The votes will follow the candidate perceived to be the most creative in using their help.

Hubert Kauffman, Oxford