Dear Mr. President (January 20, 2009)
A little while ago I was facebook stalking myself and I came across my ‘notes’. There wasn’t much substance there at all. But I did find one piece that I wrote in January 2009, on the day that President Obama was sworn in. I still like the piece, not because of the words I wrote or what it meant. I like it because it reminds me of hope. And hope is something that we all need to be reminded of some times.
Here’s the post. The original comments from facebook are in the comment section. Add your own if you wish.
Dear Mr. President,
I know that I’m not American. I know that I didn’t vote for you. And I know that in the end the decisions you make while you hold office will be made with your country in mind first, and the rest of the world second. And sir, I can not and do not blame you one bit for that.
What I do ask and hope is that you keep me, my fellow Canadians and the rest of the world in mind when you make your decisions.
I have to admit that I am a big fan of yours. I have read your book, and followed your progress over the course of the nomination and election process. A friend of mine even got me an Obama ’08 button leading up to Election Day.
This morning I started reading letters to you written by school children in the United States. They are both innocent and insightful. The children ask for safety of loved ones in Iraq. They ask for the end of a recession that they don’t understand because they do know that it means that they can’t go to McDonalds for dinner with their parents. But mostly, what they and I and many, many other people are asking for is guidance, leadership and the continuance of hope.
Later today when you take the Presidential oath I will be watching on TV while millions of people will be watching live in D.C.
And while it may sound silly because I’m not American, I am excited.
Good luck and God speed Mr. President. Best wishes for you and your family.
-Joshua Murray
creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.
Neal Leblanc: Hear Hear! Well said, Josh.
Dominique Lafleche: Very well said Josh!
Stephen Muss: Aww, Josh, you’re such a suck 😉
Seriously, though, to me, this was probably one of the most important
elections in a long, long time, one in my mind that will probably affect our planet for another 100 to possibly 500 years.
The Americans finally got it right this time. And like you, I find these to be pretty exciting times.
Cheers,
Roxanne Lebeau: Well said indeed!
Danni- Pony: i thought my heart would burst with joy when south africa elected the 1st black president, when the berlin wall came down, and today, when obama took office… my god! to witness these cusp moments for humanity is an honor, to understand, revere, and hold in memory these moments is a responsibility.
Danielle McDougall: Well written Josh, you put into words what so many of us are feeling.