Thank you, Mr. President.

Image from youtube

To paraphrase H.L. Mencken: In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for. As for me, I give thanks that I lived in the United States of America while our President was Barack Obama.

President Obama was so much better than our country deserved. He persevered despite others in our own government openly and brazenly defying him at every turn. Despite people outside our government actively attempting to undermine and discredit him. Despite citizens acting out of racism and fear to demean and insult him and his family.

The sad truth is: anyone who disrespected him still received the benefits of his efforts and judgment. I’ve asked many people if they can tell me even one thing they were able to do before Obama’s Presidency that they weren’t allowed to do anymore. Answer? Crickets.

He wasn’t perfect. There will never be a President whom I agree with 100%. In part, that’s because he was President for all the people of this country, not just a favored few.

And to quote John Pavlovitz: “If I prove to be wrong (about Trump), it will be one of the most joyful errors of my life. I will own these words and if necessary, willingly and gladly admit my misjudgment because it will mean that America is a better and stronger nation, and the world a more peaceful place. But right now I don’t see that happening.”

I’ve lived under eleven Presidents, soon to be twelve. The one whose character has been the most noble and ennobling is President Barack Obama. Thank you, sir.