‘As Lincoln Looks Down’

A Letter to Barack Obama
Dear Barack,
I hope you will forgive me that I address you as a friend, but over the past year, I've come to feel that I know you as a friend.

The opportunity that we the American people have given you to help us confront the challenges facing us today is an enormous one. An enormous opportunity and an enormous task, but one that I believe you have the courage and skill needed to lead us to recovery.

We do not ask you to solve every problem, but that you honestly strive, along with the people you have chosen to guide and help you, to make our country and others around the world a place where we can meet in friendship and mutually solve the issues that face us.

I pray that God will guide you in your task and that our nation will come together to work as one body to aid you in your task ... we are a nation united by strength and loyalty and your guidance through the next 4 years will give us the focus and purpose needed to succeed in the quest for peace, prosperity and unity.
Sincerely,
Betsy Allen

Today as I watched on television the first black American take the oath of office for the president of the United States, I closed my eyes and envisioned President Lincoln watching down from heaven and thinking, "It has finally come to pass." I am 60 years old, so I remember a lot about how things have evolved in this country that I am proud to call home. I am proud that Americans of all color and creed, can stand beside each other and call your neighbor, your brother or sister and reach a hand out in a time of need to anyone at any time, and how we all stick together in a time of great crisis. I believe in this country and for all it stands for. I believe in our leaders and I trust God will keep our new President and his family safe in these times of great frustration.

I was born a country girl, not too far from where President Lincoln was killed. I have spent much time in the historic tri-state area, and as I watched today from afar, I could not help but feel a great sense of pride in this nation. My brothers work for the union in the District of Columbia and helped build the stands for the inauguration for the last five presidents. What an honor!!!! Thanks to all of you proud Americans. Together we can continue to support the best country in the world in which to live. Pray for all of our leadership!!

Thank you President Lincoln for believing in, and serving America a long, long time ago.

H. Martinez