In the wake of the inauguration and all the excitement I felt compelled to write a note to our new president.
Dear President Obama,
First of all I would like to congratulate you on your magnificent accomplishment. From the meager beginnings of a campaign that looked like a lost cause...becoming the front runner for a demoralized quarreling democratic party, and eventually democratic nominee for president. Inspiring the youth and minority voters of this nation to turn out in numbers this nation had not seen in over a decade. Instilling in our citizens a hope for a bright and shining future in which America will rise above the problems we as a nation are facing currently and become once again a beacon of light in this world. Not to mention becoming the first ever black president of the United States of America! I applaud you sir.
Now as the dust settles from the long road of campaigning and as you brush off the mud of attacks from your adversaries I am asking you to consider these things as you undertake the next four years of your presidency.
1) Please remember that bipartisanship is important.
You will have your hands full with this issue more than any other seeing as how your Democrat controlled congress has failed to do anything since the house and senate were overturned and Ms. Pelosi became speaker.
Sadly the party of change and reform has been too afraid of taking action for the good of the country because it was simpler to just veto and argue proposals put forward by the conservative counterparts. I hope more than ever your fancy and eloquent speaking abilities can win over both parties and work toward legitimate change in our political system rather than falling back into the usual stalemate politics...
Of course also keep in mind that when you work toward change with the house and senate, please make efforts to make real solid changes to America rather than cute temporary legislation...
2) Remember that our nation's security ALWAYS comes before any other issue.
It is approaching the 8 year mark since September 11, 2001. Eight consecutive years that we have not worried about terrorist attacks on our soil, that we have been safe in our homes because we took the fight to terrorist soil. I ask you to continue the job we as a nation set out to do after 9/11. Do not forget the men in masks, the cowards, who drove commercial airliners full of innocent American civilians into our own buildings with the intent to cripple our nation; to bring America to it's knees. We over came that tragedy and forged forward removing a dangerous and deadly tyrant from power. We have disrupted terrorist networks and froze funds and intimidated those who would aid the terrorist cause. Was it always diplomatic? Not so much. But the results show clearly that America remained safe from outside attacks under President George Bush, and I ask that as our new president you continue to defend our nation's freedom by pursuing those who would harm or hurt not just our soldiers, but our women and children as well. Those that have no regard for the freedom to express ourselves or to worship as we please but would rather see our great nation burn.
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty." - J.F.K.
3) Follow through with your plans on foreign policy.
Re-establish our relations with our allies. Talk when and where necessary. But I implore you to also have the courage and the patriotism to fight back when necessary. Make America not only a friend to the world, but feared and respected for its leadership.
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. ~Thomas Paine
4) Provide an example to our youth.
Show young men growing up in poverty the value of education, and the importance of speaking articulately. Show the youth that the lifestyle they want to emulate is not one of a thug or a gangster but that of a man (or woman) who acts with integrity and carries themself with self-respect. Show them that there is more to living in this great country than the fast cars, obsession with materials, and rebellion against home and family values. You are a role model to our youth.
"Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future” -J.F.K.
5) Unify the nation; don't divide it.
We are a nation of many cultures, but we are great because we are out of many one. No single culture is better than another and while it is important to give tribute to our individual beliefs and heritages remember that we are here as Americans. Not African-Americans or atheist-Americans or Jewish-Americans but Americans.
If you are ashamed to stand by your colors, you had better seek another flag. ~Author Unknown
6) Be grateful everyday.
You are president not because you have the right but because you have been given the right by the people of America. You don't deserve this because of your race or your religion but because the American people trust you to bring change and hope to the future generations. Do not take this for granted.
“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” -J.F.K.
You have a daunting task ahead of you right now and only time will tell what sort of a president you will be, but remember that you have my vote to succeed until you break my confidence and trust.
I wish you well sir.
Sincerely,
An American Patriot
