Obama Leaves One Final Note For America
Obama encourages us to take part in “the joyous work of citizenship”
Hey, everyone. How are you doing? Holding it together? Good, good. Some of us are a fine mess right now. Probably some of you are doing okay, going to work, making plans for your weekend, and carrying on with the expectation that the world will continue turning.
Certainly, our planet will continue forward for the time being. However, for many, the next few days will have an apocalyptic tinge to them. If you need some help taking the edge off your fear and anxiety, then take a minute to read this letter from our 44th President, Barack Obama.
Obama has been one of the calmer public presences in the past months. Many are rightfully worried about the effects of a Trump administration both nationally and globally. However, Obama has concentrated on the positive aspects of his time in office and America’s path forward. In that vein, he has published one final letter to American citizens on The White House Medium page.
Traditionally, the outgoing president leaves a note for his or her successor. In it, the previous president seeks share what they have learned about serving in one of the highest offices in the nation. Meanwhile, Obama has crafted a similar note for everyone else, in large part to thank citizens for his two terms in office. “You made me a better President, and you made me a better man,” Obama wrote.
"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."
Obama’s plans once he leaves office are currently unclear. At age 55, he is one of the youngest outgoing presidents in history. As such, this leaves plenty of time for organizing, advising, and other forms of activism. Hopefully, he will be able to overcome the partisan divides which have swept our nation.
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For now, his call to action is clear. Clearly, this is the time for you to get involved. Whether that means volunteering, donating, calling your representatives, or some other form of activism, we must all get serious about our duty to be involved American citizens.