My Personal Shout Out to President Obama

Congratulations to you on this historic event.

And I want to point out that I am not using the word "historic" like the masses of people seem to be throwing it around lately. And I am not using it to describe the fact that you are the first African American president of the United States. I honestly couldn't care less that you are black. And I wish we all could stop talking about your color. That to me would be proof that race relations in this country are getting better. When the fact that you are not white would not even enter the playing field.

My definition of "historic" is more close to home. You made me care about politics this year. You made me watch CNN on a regular basis. You made me want to knock on doors, and wear the buttons, and put a sign in my yard. You made me watch all the debates. I was always a democrat, but you kept me from blindly supporting Hilary Clinton just because my parents did. And because I loved Bill, and came into adulthood during the Clinton years.

You made me feel less sappy for being easily inspired by a speech or quote. Probably because your speeches were so much more than just political rhetoric. You truly believe that we, as a nation, are fully capable of the lofty goals you set. And throughout the campaign, you were not embarrassed to express your optimism or your excitement at the prospect of a better world. It may be childlike, and wide eyed, but you saw through the critics, and you continued to share your sometimes overly euphoric view of what could be at every opportunity. I admire you for that. Especially since I also want to believe that everything I want for myself in my own life is possible.

You made possessing vast intelligence an important factor in a candidate and a president. You made news commentators use the word "erudite" on many, many occasions. Some called you elitist, and shrugged off your Harvard Law Degree, your well written books, and your overall extensive knowledge on what seemed like every subject of which you were questioned. I saw it as a return to intellectualism after the unfortunate era of people wanting the president to just be a nice regular guy, and someone who thinks and acts just like they do. Call me crazy, but I want the president to be smarter than me. I want the president to have the insights and education to come up with the solutions that I could never think of.

You ran an organized, well oiled machine of a campaign. You fought the power to start a dirty, nasty race as much as humanly possible, only going negative when it was a reaction to your opponents words towards you. And even then, your statements still always had an air of respect for your fellow candidates. You embraced all the opportunities at your feet to win this election: especailly the internet, and the new media outlets. And you knew that you could win this without huge corporate donations. That citizens would be willing to give a little too. The proof was in your ability to raise $200 million just in donations of $100 or less on your website. People may say what they will about your limited political experience, but if you lead this country with the same level headed, dedicated presicion, and overwhelming success that you led your campaign, you'll prove them wrong.

You brought together groups of people who didn't care about politics. You made 50,60 year olds vote for the first time. You made women in their 20s and 30s want to know more about you than who Jennifer Aniston was sleeping with. You made urban youth take off their tee shirts of Nelly and Kanye, and wear ones with your picture instead.

You seem to have a very defined moral and ethical code. You are clearly a family man who truly loves his wife and daughters. You obviously have a strong belief in God and a true religious faith. However, I see that you also comprehend and celebrate those who think much differently than yourself. I respect the reverence with which you talk about all faiths, including non-believers. And the fact that you always recognize the gay community when you address the make up of this country. I admire your open mindedness, and your acceptance for all walks of life. So many politicians are afraid to alienate their base, but you have never had that fear.

Now in spite of all my congratulatory brouhaha, I do not envy you the road ahead. You have your work cut out for you. And after hearing your speech yesterday, you know it better than anyone.

I do, however, think you are on the right path. You have surrounded yourself with keen, experienced advisors. You are well aware of, and not sugarcoating, the number of hardships that you will need to address. And most importantly, I think you are serious about bringing this country together. Embracing the Republican leaders as well as Democrats to work collectively to find the best solutions. I am confidant that your charisma, earnestness, and obviously unwavering dedication to your goals will earn the support of your harshest critics. (Well, most of them....you'll never get Rush or Ann Colter!)

So, in conclusion, I have to say "Thank You". Thank you for making the success of the United States your personal agenda. Thank you for inspiring a people that had become cynical. Thank you for being willing to take on the leadership of this country under some of the worst conditions in our history, while the whole world is watching.

And a huge, warm, personal, and heartfelt congratulations on your inauguration as the 44th President of the United States of America.