Readers Write to Grandchildren About Obama | Newsweek Politics: The Obama Presidency

NEWSWEEK asked readers to write letters to their grandchildren describing their feelings on Jan. 20, 2009. A selection of those reflections.

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Jan 28, 2009

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'No Words To Describe'
Where do I begin my precious little ones? How I so wish I could be here to see you, to smell you, just to be in the same room with you to see what the world is like for you. But as life has it, I am not. I hope I have left an impression on your parents, my children, Thomas and Morgan. Your grandfather and I (Reginald T. & Rhonda E. Brown) had them late in life; we were in our 40's, so we knew that more than likely we would not be here when you were born.

But I have to say the world has been most interesting, and we are living and participating in history in the year of our Lord 2009, when our country elected our first African American President, the 44th one to be honored to serve. The word "elected" is so important, because that means the people voted and he was elected by their vote alone, which is also something we as African Americans could not always do. I was fortunate enough to see him when he came to our state of North Carolina, at a rally in Raleigh. Let me tell you: there are no words to describe the feeling of that day so I can only imagine what it was like on inauguration day in Washington, D.C. I have put together a scrapbook for Thomas and Morgan with clippings and articles, stamps and collectible items that I am hoping they will pass on to you so you can have documentation of the history your parents lived through with us, and hopefully they will remember and share their stories as well.

Well my dears, I close in saying I love you even though I do not know you, but I know you will have a part of us in you because your parents are a part of us and carry family names that we hope will make you proud. I know you will be spectacular children and grown ups, because your parents are now. Know we love you already, and we wish you happiness in whatever you choose in life. Know that if an African American can be president, you can DO AND BE ANYTHING you want with God in your life. Study hard and be the best you can be. I know you will. We love you more than anything.
Your Grandparents,
Reggie and Rhonda Brown

'The Catalyst for True Change'
Dearest Family Members,
I write you today to express my hope and fears for you and your futures.

On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, the first African-American took the Oath of Office and became President of the United States of America (whether there still is a country with that name in your time).

I laughed when he messed up the Oath. It showed me that President Obama is a man just like all of us. He puts his pants on one leg at time, just like we all do. Always remember, that all people are the same, no one on this planet is more powerful than you nor should they attempt to hold power over you. Respect the office and position they hold, but respect the person for who they are. Another human being just like you NEVER should you be made to fear somebody because of what they may or may not be able to do to you. We are unique, unrepeatable miracles of God with their own individual talents and gifts that can benefit everybody. We just need a system that encourages and enables ALL people to realize those talents and gifts.

Why can't everyone see that if Obama has been elected,it's only because certain very specific groups , the same ones who would have Bush in the White House, wanted him to be ?
Wherefore is it so ? Simply because with Obama, who likes like, but is not ,as everyone will very soon have the chance,if I may say so, to see,the very antithesis of Bush, it will be easier to continue with the same policy , without fearing protest or rebuke.
Obama will, much more easily, be able to have one and all subscribe to the worst possible: isn't he Black ? Isn't he a Democrat ?Does he not have African origins ? Is he not somehow Muslim?How on earth can you then accuse him of being a racist? An imperialist ?A warmonger? A hegemonist ?
Obama will have all criticism silenced even before it is expressed.Dark days are ahead for the entire world, and probably even more for the US.At this stage,it is impossible of getting rid of Obama without makeing mactters worse still.The only viable alternativel is vigilance and resistance, from within mainly.Otherwise the Obama will ----------not :may------------prove to be the worst nightmare scenario imaginable.

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Posted By: Sooriamoorthy @ 01/30/2009 9:47:05 AM

Why can't everyone see that if Obama has been elected,it's only because certain very specific groups , the same ones who would have Bush in the White House, wanted him to be ?
Wherefore is it so ? Simply because with Obama, who likes like, but is not ,as everyone will very soon have the chance,if I may say so, to see,the very antithesis of Bush, it will be easier to continue with the same policy , without fearing protest or rebuke.
Obama will, much more easily, be able to have one and all subscribe to the worst possible: isn't he Black ? Isn't he a Democrat ?Does he not have African origins ? Is he not somehow Muslim?How on earth can you then accuse him of being a racist? An imperialist ?A warmonger? A hegemonist ?
Obama will have all criticism silenced even before it is expressed.Dark days are ahead for the entire world, and probably even more for the US.At this stage,it is impossible of getting rid of Obama without makeing mactters worse still.The only viable alternativel is vigilance and resistance, from within mainly.Otherwise the Obama will ----------not :may------------prove to be the worst nightmare scenario imaginable.