Way back in November, 2010 I felt the need to compose a letter to President Obama. Sometimes I get a bee in my bonnet about things and sometimes I actually follow through and do something about that bee. This was one of those times.
If you and I disagree politically, that’s okay! I still love you and I hope you can find it in your heart to like me too.
Dear Mr. President,
First let me start by saying that I am a supporter. You, your family and your administration are often in my prayers. I pray that God will give you and your administration the wisdom and courage to do what is right for the American people and our place in this world. I pray that you and your family will be given strength to withstand the difficult times the past two years have brought and the joy and sorrow the next two years will bring.
That being said, I am writing to apologize for some recent political actions in my home state of Oklahoma, in hopes that you won’t discount us. I was not surprised in 2008 that we were a red state. However, I was surprised that is was completely red. I thought at least three counties would be blue. My family lives in Norman, OK. Norman is a wonderful college town with a diverse mix of tolerant individuals. While a majority of the population is made up of mostly white, conservative Christians a large part of those WCC’s lovingly embrace those who are different from themselves. Every single day I still see Obama/Biden bumper stickers. I was shocked to learn that Cleveland County was red in 2008.
Forward to 2010. This week I was not surprised when a Republican won the governorship from the Democrats. We are in the bible belt. I don’t think I need to explain any further. I am giving the new Governor the benefit of the doubt and hope that she will let rationality be her guide while leading our state. (It should be noted that both candidates were women…only the fourth time for that to happen in U.S. history!)
There were also two measures on our ballot this week that I was chagrined to see won with overwhelming majority. English as the official language and a state Constitutional amendment that would prohibit state courts from considering International or Islamic law when deciding cases. Unfortunately a campaign of fear fueled these two measures and the majority bought into it.
Recently a gay young man took his own life in Norman after sitting through a city council meeting in which the topic for debate was a city ordinance to adopt October as Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender month. The meeting was filled with hate speech and apparently this young man was in a delicate frame of mind and was finally pushed over the edge. Of course it made national news but what did not make the news was that for every person there full of fear and hate, there was also someone full of love and support for the GLBT community. Additionally, at that meeting the city council voted in favor of making October GLBT month.
I have given you quite a laundry list of things that have been heartbreaking as an Oklahoman. Please let me finish by saying why I still deeply love Oklahoma. There is no place my husband and I would rather raise our family. We lived in Los Angeles for eight years and knew it was time to come home when our first son was born. Oklahomans are very proud of their state. The arts are strong in Oklahoma and we have a rich and highly valued Native American heritage. The accomplishments of our higher education institutions are too long to list here. Most people imagine Oklahoma as a vast, windy plain. On the contrary it is very beautiful being one of only four states with more than 10 eco-regions.
Please don’t discount Oklahoma. Many Oklahomans have gotten caught up in the negative spin that is dividing our country. However, at their core they are loving, loyal and would give the shirt off their back to help a stranger in need.
Warmest Regards,
Hugs, Kisses and Snot
(I didn’t really sign it Hugs, Kisses and Snot. This blog didn’t even exist way back then. I signed my real name)
I sent it off thinking it would get lost in the shuffle of letters that the President gets. Did you know he receives 65,000 letters and 100,000 e-mails a week?! Here is an interesting little video about the goings on of the letters that are received at the White House.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG00mM8QEGk&feature=player_detailpage
Anywhoo – I sent it off not expecting anything in return. He seems kinda busy. Until…..
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