Today’s Assignment
“Publish a post for your dream reader, and include a new-to-you element in it.”
Dear President Obama:
I cast my first vote in 1960 at the age of 18; and, thereafter, I continued to vote in every Presidential election. Because people suffered and died fighting for our rights to vote, I felt it was my obligation to cast my vote. But, I never saw any value in voting during the mid-term elections.
Instantly, when you, the Junior Senator from Illinois, announced your candidacy, I became a political junkie. Though I donated, volunteered, and voted; truthfully, I didn’t think you could win the Presidency.
You won. And I continued to support you by donating, volunteering and voting in the 2010, 2012, and 2014 elections. Voting for the first time in mid-term elections because I saw the value in supporting your administration and policies.
A Black man in the White House, led me to believe we were moving toward overcoming the racial divide in this country. But, the divide appears wider and even goes beyond race. And, I was sad.
I was saddened that you are disrespected, hated, and demonized by so many.
I was saddened that members of Congress met on the evening of your first inauguration and vowed to make you a one-term President.
I was saddened that there are people who fail to see the value in providing affordable health care to the uninsured and underinsured.
I was saddened by those who think it’s okay to deny and/or suppress our right to vote.
I was saddened with proposals to privatize and/or voucherize Medicare.
I was saddened by our failure to deal with gun control.
I was saddened by the inability to deal with the Illegal Immigration issues.
But, I was uplifted after reading your November 7 letter:
“Yvonne, the hardest thing in politics is changing the status quo. The easiest thing is to get cynical. The Republicans had a good night on Tuesday, Yvonne — but believe me when I tell you that our results are better because you stepped up, talked to your family and friends, and cast your ballot. I want you to remember we’re making progress. There are workers who have jobs today who didn’t have them before. There are millions of families who have health insurance today who didn’t have it before. There are kids going to college today who didn’t have the opportunity to go to college before. So don’t get cynical, Yvonne. Cynicism didn’t put a man on the moon. Cynicism has never won a war, or cured a disease, or built a business, or fed a young mind. Cynicism is a choice. And hope will always be a better choice.I have hope for the next few years, and I have hope we’re going to accomplish together.”
Mr. President, I appreciate your taking the time to connect with me; and, I am grateful that my cynicism didn’t keep you out of the White House. Thank you of this uplifting letter.
SeasonedSistah2
To My Readers: Now, I realize this letter went out to millions, but I feel less cynical and more hopeful after reading it.
SeasonedSistah 
I burst into tears when I read this. Thanks so much for sharing it. Wow……….
And I am very impressed you are taking Photography 101 AND Blogging 101.
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thank you for this!
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