Friday, January 8, 2010

Thank you President Obama

Why is it that life tends to suck up your life? In between laundry, walking and feeding the dogs, and getting ready for work, there were many things that I wanted to write this morning. I woke up with a letter of gratitude to President Obama written in my head. It was very elegant but the letter of gratitude to President Obama below is all I can pull together in my now crowded brain.

I am grateful to have a president who takes responsibility. I want to thank President Obama for writing two moving and entertaining books. For Michelle. For Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor. For having an exit strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq. For clear, intelligent and inspiring speeches. There's so much negative noise on the news that I don't want President Obama to forget that for his millions of supporters, his speeches and actions fill us with old fashioned American pride. We prayed for a leader who doesn't lie to us and doesn't treat us like mindless sheep and our prayers were answered.

Thanks for health care reform, however imperfect. For taking the political hits and inspiring others to govern no matter the political cost because it's the right thing to do. For caring about the little guy. For adjusting the administration's policies when they are no longer useful or effective. For listening, deliberating, and then leading us during a difficult time.

I had lunch with a dear friend recently. He was distressed and disappointed with what he sees as the administration caving on issues that he cares about. I reminded him that the world is already a better place under this administration. It's going to take time to repair the damage of the previous regime. It is the job of Republicans to stop the government from working so people lose faith in their leaders. That damage is going to take a long time to fix, but it's happening every day in every department of our government. People who care about public service strive every day to fulfill their duty and that's no small task. My friend relaxed a little, because I reminded him of the big picture.

Leadership has always come from the top. Thank you Mr. President.

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