A Letter to a President I Did Not Elect

President-Elect Barack Obama,

 

Sir, I listened to your acceptance speech today, as you addressed Chicago, America, and the world.  You spoke of dreams, democracy and possibilities; and my brothers and sisters cheered for change.  I received phone calls from other Americans, who did not win your vote, and who are now unsettled by the change you promise.  We are wary, as we listen, Mr. Obama.

 

Yet, I know these people, my neighbors, my friends, my fellow Americans; those who won your vote, and those who did not, and I know that we will rise to change, and we will move forward.  We will not go gentle into that dark night.  Mr. Obama, we now look to you to lead us.

 

You said tonight, as you addressed those Americans whose support you have yet to earn, that you hear our voices and will be our president too.  Mr. Obama, we who are now looking to you to earn our support ask you to do just that.  You offer us hope, and we are hesitant to reach out and grasp it; but because we love our country and its people, because we need leadership in these times, and because our brothers and sisters in democracy have spoken loudly this day, we take that promise of hope in hand and pledge as Americans, to do our part.

 

Congratulations, Mr. Obama, you are truly beginning one of the great journeys of your life.  I believe that.   Although I did not vote for you, I am an American, heart and soul. I will not hide in my house and complain that things did not go my way.  I will not let my words suggest that the country I so love and support is heading now, in the wrong direction.  I will not lament today as a tragedy. 

 

I will stand, I will vote, I will live as an American, who looks to you to lead this great country into the future.  I will support America.  I will respect my brother and sister Americans, and I will respect you, as you begin the task set before you.

 

You, have my attention, and my prayers.

 

Sincerely,

 

A patriot from main-street America