It’s a long-standing tradition for the sitting president of the United States to leave a parting letter in the Oval Office for the American elected to take his or her place. It’s a letter meant to share what we know, what we’ve learned, and what small wisdom may help our successor bear the great responsibility that comes with the highest office in our land, and the leadership of the free world.
But before I leave my note for our 45th president, I wanted to say one final thank you for the honor of serving as your 44th. Because all that I’ve learned in my time in office, I’ve learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.
Throughout these eight years, you have been the source of goodness, resilience, and hope from which I’ve pulled strength. I’ve seen neighbors and communities take care of each other during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers — and found grace in a Charleston church.
I’ve taken heart from the hope of young graduates and our newest military officers. I’ve seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and wounded warriors once given up for dead walk again. I’ve seen Americans whose lives have been saved because they finally have access to medical care, and families whose lives have been changed because their marriages are recognized as equal to our own. I’ve seen the youngest of children remind us through their actions and through their generosity of our obligations to care for refugees, or work for peace, and, above all, to look out for each other.
I’ve seen you, the American people, in all your decency, determination, good humor, and kindness. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I’ve seen our future unfolding.
All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into that work — the joyous work of citizenship. Not just when there’s an election, not just when our own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime.
I’ll be right there with you every step of the way.
And when the arc of progress seems slow, remember: America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We the People.’ ‘We shall overcome.’
Yes, we can.
President Barack Obama
America will rue the day he left office. Fascism has emerged after an 8 year stint in the closet. Let the WARS begin.
What fascism? Like a lot of injured progressives still crying over Hellary losing you are making claims against Trump before he even becomes president.
Obama’s presidency is a joke and soon will only be a historical by line, ‘the first black president’ then a period. Nothing else worth mentioning except of course the fact he pardoned a traitor and was responsible for the single biggest increase in the national debt in history. It is time for a responsible adult to take over, someone who does not live on rainbow juice.
You know it’s not like the President-elect has been quiet since his election. Those claims that you seem to believe are unfounded are because his big mouth just can’t stay shut. He has no self control and cannot stand it if he is criticized. Have you watched the Senate confirmations of some of his appointees? Betsy DeVos? Rick Perry? Tom Price? I can see some of his picks as legitimate as far as people who will do a good job because they understand their role, but these 3 don’t have a clue. DeVos hasn’t the slightest idea about public education, Perry didn’t even know that the Dept of Energy dealt with nuclear weapons, and Price used his position to gain an economic advantage in the stock market.
The bromance with Putin was a stunning revelation of where we are headed. The fox is guarding the hen house!
FOOL-Obama almost has us in a war with Russia because of his failure to stand up to or get along with Putin. Trump will stop the crap. He is not a whiney little bitch like Obama.
Russia is not our friend. If you believe they are, then you need to move to Russia and live under Putin’s reign. He is a fascist and a blood thirsty murderer. If Mr. Trump wants to be his friend, then maybe he can find a place to live in Russia when he decides that being President of the USA is too hard for him because people are mean.
Maybe we should send all you socialist, liberals to Russia. You would fit right in until he shoots you. Trump didn’t say he wants to be friends, he want to negotiate. You really need to quit making up lies, although that is what you are used to. The teachers pensions are going next.
The Trumpster wants to be bosom buddies with Putin because the Russians have Donald by the balls…. quite literally, They caught him on tape and camera banging a Russian whore on his business trip there a few years ago. Connect the dots and follow the money and pussy.
” …because his big mouth just can’t stay shut. He has no self control and cannot stand it if he is criticized.”
Bodie, you do realize you’re describing Obama to a T don’t you?
” …because his big mouth just can’t stay shut. He has no self control and cannot stand it if he is criticized.”
Actually that describes LVS.
I have lots of control as you will find out real soon troll.