eightpix
Been a student. Been a clerk. Been a salesperson. Been a manager. Been a teacher. Been an expatriate. Am a husband, father, and chronicle.
Here is the full text of the letter that Obama left 45. I’d never thought to read it.
Dear Mr. President -
Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and allof us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure.
This is a unique office, without a clear blueprint for success, so I don’t know that any advice from me will be particularly helpful. Still, let me offer a few reflections from the past 8 years.
First, we’ve both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune. Not everyone is so lucky. It’s up to us to do everything we can (to) build more ladders of success for every child and family that’s willing to work hard.
Second, American leadership in this world really is indispensable. It’s up to us, through action and example, to sustain the international order that’s expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend.
Third, we are just temporary occupants of this office. That makes us guardians of those democratic institutions and traditions – like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties – that our forebears fought and bled for. Regardless of the push and pull of daily politics, it’s up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them.
And finally, take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They’ll get you through the inevitable rough patches.
Michelle and I wish you and Melania the very best as you embark on this great adventure, and know that we stand ready to help in any ways which we can.
Good luck and Godspeed,
BO
A few notes:
Obama forecast 45s disregard for “rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties”. He KNEW 45 would fuck that up.
The role all Presidents, since Reagan, have played in “sustain[ing] the international order that’s expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend” is a warning about fomenting or courting instability. It is also a tacit admission of the Military-Industrial complex and its attendant supports in entertainment, energy, and finance that projects American values and superiority worldwide. He KNEW 45 would fuck that up, too.
Finally, and from the start of the letter, “we’ve both been blessed… Not everyone is so lucky” is a reminder that the office is meant to support the less fortunate. We all KNEW 45 would fuck that up.
I remember it having an English language, targeted at North Americans vibe. I could be wrong.
Also, have I posted this request incorrectly? I still count myself as new to the Fediverse. I don’t know how to access other instances. Any guidance is probably already posted online, and I would have to go looking for it. I haven’t.
My parents took us to see The Passion of the Christ. That sucked a lot.
But, my actual answer to this is watching A History of Violence with my aunt and uncle at their house. It was their choice. I knew what was coming, and I didn’t strategically exit the room before the staircase scene.
It was a cycle for me:
Not swearing led to swearing.
Swearing led to learning to swear in other languages.
Learning to swear in other languages served me well as I moved out of North America to teach.
Being out of North American led to me being more humble and less the brash North American. Also, I spent a lot of time with children.
Being less brash and speaking in other languages led me to think more about what I say before saying it.
Thinking about my speech led to downgrading swearing to make a point. I’ll swear, depending on the audience.
Specifically — like L-Boogie said — “I’ll add a MFer so you ign’ant ****s hear me.” (Fugees, The Score, “Zealots”) If I’m cursing, it’s prolly because there’s some ignorance in my area.
I admit, sometimes it’s mine.
Also, the irony is not lost on me that L fell off not too long after this rhyme. Celebrity culture can be a scene full of ignorance. I don’t blame her. I blame the industry.
I read this book while commuting on the subway and hour each way, every day. The 117 chapters were originally published as a serial story in a French publication in 18 parts “from 28 August 1844 to 15 January 1846.” (Wikipedia) That’s why it is so readable. It is written to keep readers coming back for more.
