I've glanced at some of these letters. Nothing really creeps me out.
Reporter's Note: President Obama is enjoying his public inauguration today and preparing for four more years of work. I, on the other hand, will be taking a break. The letter below is the same one I sent on the day of his first inauguration when I began this unbroken string of missives. It is also the last one.
Dear Mr. President,
Congratulations! Watching you on that podium today, surrounded by so many hundreds of thousands of Americans I could not help but feel inspired by the miracle of Democracy and the greatness of our nation. I also have a question: Do you have any idea what you’ve gotten yourself into?
I know you are busy today, but call when you can.
Regards,
Tom
Reporter's Note: President Obama’s second inauguration take place today, then tomorrow there will be a big public ceremony.
Dear Mr. President,
Well, we’ve come down to the end. You will raise your hand today and take the oath to continue being President for the next four years, and I’ve already sworn to my wife that I won’t continue writing to you. I’ll send a little note tomorrow, but this is the last time I will send any kind of substantial letter your way.
This all started because you said before you took office the first time that you would appreciate ideas from your fellow Americans. The extraordinary length of this letter writing campaign suggests I took that a tad too seriously, and in any event I think I’d be a little concerned if you’d had time to read them all.
Still, I was thinking back over everything I’ve said and wondering if it could be boiled down to a few key points that might serve you or any president well. So here goes.
1) Listen more than you talk. I realize this is an odd sentiment coming from the guy who wrote 1,463 letters, but I believe it. We learn from others, not from ourselves.
2) Don’t imagine you are the smartest person in the room. Although you seem clever enough, at any given moment in any given place we should all see the wisdom of others.
3) Treat your opponents with dignity and respect, no matter how they treat you. It is not only the hallmark of maturity and intelligence, it is also shrewd politics.
4) Know that people who think you are wrong are not stupid, evil, or shortsighted…and sometimes they are even right.
5) Remember (and this one if unique to presidents): For all the pomp and honor, for all the trappings of success and power, you work for the citizens of America. They do not work for you.
I hope for you, as I would hope for any president, that the next four years go well. I hope you have gained not just experience, but also wisdom. I hope you call one day.
Best of luck.
Regards,
Tom
Reporter's Note: President Obama’s second inauguration is officially tomorrow, and ceremonially on Monday. At which point I will cease writing these letters. I’m sure we’ll both be relieved.
Dear Mr. President,
The weather seems to be a bit more cooperative for the inauguration this time than last. That’s a good thing. I’m sure that you and the other VIPs would be fine either way, but all those folks standing out on the National Mall waiting for the big moment have to endure an awful lot as it is, I’d hate to see them dealing with hypothermia on top of it.
I’m sure it is very exciting for you and your family. Personally if I were a re-elected president, especially in tough economic times, I would opt for a small ceremony in the Oval Office, maybe hold a nice dinner to raise money for charity, and then I’d get back to work. But that’s me. And frankly I imagine even if you wanted things to go that way you’d get a lot of pushback from fundraisers, advisors, and supporters who would be disappointed.
Under the circumstances, my biggest concern is just being able to drive to the office on Monday. We are, as you know, only a couple of blocks from the Capitol so I think I can come in only from the north on one open street. We’ll see. If I get into a bind I’ll give you a call and see if you can issue an executive order to open the way. Ha!
Anyway, I’m in the office working again on this Saturday. Pretty much standard fare with big events like this. If you have a moment, give me a call. Otherwise, the countdown continues: one letter for Sunday, and one for Monday, then that’s it. You’re on your own.
Regards,
Tom
Dear Mr. President,
Well, we’ve come down to the end. You will raise your hand today and take the oath to continue being President for the next four years
The televised proceedings weren't the official swearing in ceremony. That occurred as required by the Constitution on 1/20/2013.
The Monday event was as hollow as Obama's bizarre blessing/sign of the cross he made last year (backwards).
I agree. Those final words of advice are good, and would probably peeve Obama since he is/does the opposite. :)