to President Elect Obama

Congratulations is in order. Congratulations President Elect Obama. I was with you from the beginning but I solely cannot take credit for your place in history. You worked hard and deserve this victory. I am so very proud of you, this country, my country and my vote. I look forward to the challenges that face you, myself and this country with a knowledge that we can tackle them, overcome them and define prosperity for this generation, my parent's generation and the generations that lie ahead.

I support you with an open heart but despite my devotion I will warn you of one thing... No it is not the republican party and those who see you not as you are, but see you, as they want you to be. No, I am not going to warn you of the tricks and deceit that line Washington's pockets. No, I won't warm you of the people that want to dismiss you because of your politics, race and sex. No, I won't warn you of the many things that you are already aware of.

I simply warn you of your responsibility. You set the bar so very high. You pushed people to believe that looking at the stars is simply not good enough. Lead us to believe that we as a people should reach out and grab those stars to see what lies beyond and to move onto the next great challenge. I believe in you President (Elect) Obama. I do not feel that you will let me down because you better not.

So many people believe that government is self serving and lacking discipline but are they wrong for placing so much value into those beliefs? I think not. A promise to reform Washington was made and I hope that promise is kept, no matter how daunting the task may seem. So many problems lie ahead like a struggling economy, job loss, healthcare reform and keeping the nation safe. 

I voted for you because this country is need of leadership, a leader that will not define the people but represent them and represent them not by one singular definition like white, black, male, female, straight, gay, young or old but by the all encompassing definition, human. I believe you can do this. I believe that change will come and it will be the change that we need.

If you fail, no excuses will be allowed. If you fail, the criticism will be heavy. If you fail, my hope and faith in change might be lost. 

but... You must not fail, for those that believe government can be reformed. You must not fail, for those who have voted for the first time and those that still believe in their vote. You must not fail, for those that believe that 'Hope' and 'Change' are not just political slogans and t-shirt designs. You must succeed.  

You cannot do it alone. I am here and I am willing to do my part to aid in this awakening. We must all do our parts. I can ask my country to save and protect me but how can I save my country? I can do my part and the first step was voting. Yes We Can, Yes We Did and now Yes, what can I do next? 

Congratulations, President Obama.