Letter: Obama more than worthy of four more years

Talk about it

As I write this letter, this prayer from the Daily Texts comes to me: “Today help me share your love impartially rather than make any blanket judgment of the world You care for.” I’ll try.

From the beginning of his presidency, I can see several strikes against President Obama. First, just being black and reaching the highest position of leadership in our land. It was very clear that our country is not yet free of racism and the jealousy that goes with it. Then, he immediately faced a war in progress with the loss of many of our young men and women, and an enormous debt resulting in a depressed economy. As if that weren’t enough of a load, a Congress, part of which had made promises which tied, not only their hands, but of the whole Congress, was blocking the way for negotiating on how to build and restore the country. We all know that negotiation is at the core of a democratic type of government.

Following this were attacks blaming him for conditions which, in reality, were not of his making and an expectation that the restoration — the “fix” — should be accomplished in a few short years. When this didn’t happen, he was pictured as a “failure.” (This is not my word, but quoted from a letter which I received from the Republican National Committee and very mild compared to other words I will note quote.)

Through all of this I saw a man who could stand up to criticism and attack, speak up with conviction and confidence, offer hope and keep “cool” when he had every reason to be angry and come up with a smile. He never bragged about being a Christian, would often admit to not being perfect and wanted to live by the Golden Rule.

I think that President Obama has shown an extraordinary knowledge of all the departments of government and how they function. He has the ability to speak sensibly and gain the respect of leaders in many nations. He continues to work patiently with a lame Congress, attempting to bring restoration with an unmistakable love of country and a passion for those struggling without jobs hoping for a better life.

I know President Obama and his lovely wife, Michelle (what an asset she is to him and a great first lady) want very much to serve another term in the White House, and if they are given this privilege, I would hope it would be with the prayers and support of both Congress and us so that they might be able to work to their full potential. And I also hope that America will never stoop so low as to let wealth predominate over character and the qualifications for the office in the one whom we choose to serve as president and leaders.

Of the Obamas, I have sometimes wondered if they were sent to us by God for a purpose, as in the case of Esther, where she read: “For who knows whether you have come for such a time as these?” (Esther 4: 14b.) Something to think about.

Tags: opinion, letters, politics