Wednesday, 05 November 2008

  • Dear Mr. President-Elect,

    First of all, I'd like to congratulate you on your fantastic win this evening. Not only is it a victory for the ages, but one that was hard-fought and most-deserved. 

    I am writing to thank you, because for once in my life, I feel as if I was part of something bigger than myself. A single voice — lost far too often — has finally been heard.

    I'll be honest with you: I was never one for political dealings. After the 2000 election, I was jaded. Politics were well-known for being a dirty business, but why bother casting a vote that wouldn't count? I was blissfully apathetic ... until I heard you speak. Your words were eloquent and your presence, commanding. It felt like I was listening to a real person, not a fronting politician.

    "If there is a child on the south side of Chicago who can’t read, that matters to me, even if it’s not my child. If there is a senior citizen somewhere who can’t pay for her prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it’s not my grandmother. If there’s an Arab American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties. It’s that fundamental belief—I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper—that makes this country work. It’s what allows us to pursue our individual dreams and yet still come together as one American family. E pluribus unum: “Out of many, one.”" —Barack Obama

    I am one of millions that signed the petition to get you to run for president; I watched the live feed as you announced your candidacy; I proudly voted and caucused in the primary race; I swelled with pride as you accepted the democratic nomination.

    It hasn't always been easy to be your supporter, though. Like your candidacy, the road has been a bumpy one — I've been met with a great deal of criticism from friends and strangers, neighbors and family members. My faith and ability to think have been questioned. I am happy to tell you I never wavered from my position, thanks to your strength, convictions and hope for change.

    Tonight, you legitimized our belief in your campaign for change. Tomorrow, I will hang my head high, knowing I've been with you from the beginning. And in January, America will watch you begin your journey to live up to your potential. Please, sir, do right by us. I know you will.

    As I shed a tear or two, I realize that the world is different, and it started with an admirable man from Illinois. You won, sir. WE won.

    The entire journey was worth it; thank you for letting us be a part of it.

    Sincerely,
    Jen
    november 4, 2008

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