Good morning Paige and Michael;
Welcome to a new dawn, a new day, a new world.
A world where the driving force is HOPE, not fear.
History is what happened a moment ago.
Historic is what happened yesterday.
America threw off the chains of racism and bigotry and embraced a message and a messenger of change and hope.
President Obama is faced with challenges great by any measure. We as a people must be diligent to ensure he can deliver on his mission.
However, changing the world is not his responsibility alone. We too, as American citizens, must also accept our responsibility to be better and do better.
The one issue I do not have to worry about with you two is racism. Somehow, color and creed has never entered in either of your thinking towards another human being. I know, I have seen it.
Once Paige, when you were very small, I handed you to my nephew Ralph so I could open the car door for you and your Mom. You looked into his eyes, then, put your head on his shoulder. Yes, you were tired, but you also felt that instinctively, you were safe with family.
Both of you make me beyond proud that you are so accepting of all.
Racism and bigotry is just not a faction of your genetic makeup.
Thank you both so much.
With change comes responsibility, not just for Mr. Obama, but for all of us.
Each of you, as of yesterday, has a much greater chance to go to college. So get good grades, study harder and take advantage of this great gift.
Keep in mind, things will be asked of you in return. You will be asked to in some way give service to your community and country.
Your Mother and I did not rear you to be cannon fodder for some ridiculous war, but instead, to be ambassadors of peace.
Want to sever food to the homeless; I will be right next to you. Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner to the less fortunate, I’ll make the gravy. Walk to raise money to fight cancer, that’s me a few steps back carrying the water. I will be there with you.
Clean your room and help Mom with the housework.
The lessons and traits you learn at home, you will carry with you out into the world. You will not litter, but instead, pickup after others that do. Lets not be the ones that chant" drill baby drill’ but realize the wind and sun are a gift to be harnessed and put to good use.
Brush your teeth and eat better foods. Health care will soon be a burden to every individual citizen and we must not be the ones causing extra expense.
Exercise, let’s not be the ones they speak about when they mention obesity.
Oh and vote Democrat. Dems care about people, not corporations. The measure of a man or woman is how they treat others
Mostly though, keep you innocence as long as you can. You both know you are so very loved by your Mother and I, your Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, your Niecee, and people who you haven’t even met yet.
I will help fight the one battle we, the good guys, lost yesterday, Prop 8. You two don’t worry about it. Civil rights are for everyone, not to exclude a few.
When I went into the voting booth yesterday, I was not alone. George and Irene were right there with me. You have no idea what it meant to me to be able to cast that vote for a man of color in my lifetime, for them, for you, for me
I love you both with all of my being and soul.
I feel so much better about your future today.
Love Dad