An Open Letter

I wrote this letter this morning and posted it on facebook. i figured i might as well do it here too.

So democracy happened last night and we now have a historic moment. No matter who you supported, we can all say that we were a part of history-the election of the first African-American President in the history of the United States. Considering that it was around 40 years ago that African-Americans were unfairly discriminated against with Jim Crow laws, this is truly a historic moment for our country. Congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama and all his supporters. To those who voted for McCain or voted not-Obama, one can take some solace in how classy and dignified Senator McCain was in conceding the election last night. For a man who gave his life to his country, one can expect nothing less.

Our greatest president ever, Abraham Lincoln, said in his 2nd inaugural address, "With malice towards none and charity towards all...let us strive on to finish the the work we are in...to do all which we may achieve and cherish a just and lasting piece among ourselves and with all nations." I ask that no matter if you voted for or against Barack that one reflects upon these words. You may ask, "Why is Tae bothering to write this?" It is a question that I ask even myself this morning, but as I look upon facebook status after facebook status of "we're screwed", "I'm packing my bags", "F*** liberals" then I know this is the time to write. Are Republicans going to have to do some soul-searching as a party? Absolutely yes or at least I hope so. Should democrats rub it in the face of their more conservative friends? I would hope not. The last thing we need is more partisanship and anger; what we need more of is more love of neighbor.

If anything, Obama possesses a great grasp of history and his small yet very large place in it. He states that" I am reminded everyday that I am not a perfect man, and I will not be a perfect president". Obama is not the messiah or Superman just as much as he is not the Anti-Christ or a Marxist. We cannot expect him to solve everything and we do not know how much the events of our time will shape him. Lincoln never fully intended on ending slavery as much as preserving the union. George W. Bush planned on a humble foreign policy until 9/11. We cannot foretell how someone's presidency will shape out even a person as popular and charismatic as Barack Obama.

In closing, I want to state that one of my favorite photographs is the picture of JFK standing over his desk called "The Loneliest Job". It captures the loneliness and difficulty of the office of the Presidency. Everyday Obama will make moral decisions and he will often feel alone. It is in this time that we need to be there with him. And just as he inspires and challenges us, we can and must do the same for him. Thank you.