Open Letter to Barack Obama

Dear Senator Obama,

For 19+ months you've tried to run a positive campaign. You've focused on change. You've inspired millions with your message of hope. You've focused on the issues. Now, all of a sudden, with the introduction of Sarah Palin as Republican Vice Presidential candidate, the game has changed.

The Republicans cannot go head-to-head with you on the issues because they know if they try they'll lose. THey have been. They're trying to co-opt your message of change and it's back-firing. They're offering more of the same and they know it. So suddenly it's not about issues anymore, it's about personalities: The grizzled POW and the pert PTA mom.

Here's what I want you to do:

I want you to fight. back.  I am giving you permission to get. angry. I want to hear you say, "Enough is enough!" every time you speak. I want you to take on their cynical, half-truth-ridden, insulting-to-all-American-citizens campaign and wrestle it to the ground.

For 19 months you have shown me the kind of man you are.  I know what you stand for. I know—because you have been vetted by the media and the public and you've endured the sickest, most twisted kinds of smears—what kind of president you will be.  I know this.  Which is why it's OKAY for you to take on the McCain campaign and their swift-boating attempts head on. We ALL knew it was coming. The time is here. It's time to meet the Republicans on their turf. Seize this moment.

You said the campaign is about us, and it is. We want our country back. We are here in the trenches battling it out for you. We've been fighting your smears. We've been correcting the untruths. We've been making calls. And registering voters. And walking our precincts. And sporting your bumper stickers.

We know you are not sleeping, but we, too, are not sleeping until this election is over. We are distracted. We are preoccupied. We don't want to lose any momentum to a team who, at a time of economic crisis in our country, has deemed issues unworthy of being the centerpiece of a presidential campaign.

Senator Obama, I am—we are— giving you permission to do everything you have to do to win this thing.

We've been sharing our messages of hope, but now we are mad. We look at the mean-spirited stump speeches that Sarah Palin has been giving and we're pissed. We've endured the slimey Rovian attacks with mouths agape, shaking our heads. We remember 2004 and we want to stand up with you and say, "Enough is enough! How stupid do you think we are?! Don't talk to me about eBay and being a POW. Tell me how I can have insurance and a better-paying job!"

This part of my letter I am directing to John McCain, Sarah Palin, Karl Rove, the McCain-Palin-supporting Republicans and the Fundamentalist Christian Extremists who have hijacked that party:

I am not stupid. I can think critically. I know that John McCain is not about change. He is no maverick. Not someone who said himself that he votes with George W. Bush 90% of the time.

I see all of your lies. I see you trying to repeat lies over and over again so that people will believe it. Obama isn't going to raise taxes, he's going to decrease them for all Americans except those in the highest tax bracket. My brain wants to explode when I hear the same lies repeated on Palin's stump speech day after day, lies that strangely weren't repeated when she gave that speech in Alaska. Why no mention of the bridge, the plane, the chef, or the fighting earmarks in your Alaska speech, Governor?

I am not going to be fooled into believing that an intellectual lightweight who knows how to deliver a snappy one-liner and who can see Russia from a remote island in Alaska is qualified to be Vice-President of our great country. Five colleges in six years? That is a slap right to my face. What you present to the American public as her "qualifications" are ridiculous and no matter how hard you try to spin it, you know it. Why is being educated suddenly a strike against a candidate? What kind of values are those? Let's say no to intellect and scholarship! Let's all be dumb! That's not how I'm raising my children. Sorry, I want leaders who strive for better than five colleges in six years. I don't want to be more knowledgeable about issues than my VP. I don't want to have a beer with my president. I don't want to have traveled to more countries than my VP.  I don't want a VP who in her adult life never showed even a shred of curiosity about the rest of the world. Never wanted to leave our shores and get to know people not like her. She says she went to Mexico? When. I want to see proof, Mr. Rove, and I'd love it if it wasn't when she was in college swilling tequila poppers at Señor Frog's on spring break. If that's elitist, then so be it. Forgive me if I want the people who have the most important jobs in the entire world to be high-achievers.

And to the Fundies who think everyone who isn't like them (like me) needs to be saved. To those who want Creationism taught in science class. To those who want to bring prayer into my schools. Or take away a woman's right to choose what's best for her life. For those who want to eliminate stem cell research. To all of you, I just have one thing to say: You are lucky you live in a tolerant country where you have the freedom to practice your religion. Try to remember that when you attempt to impose your beliefs on me, my body, our laws, or our country. You will FAIL. I can choose believe in god if I want to. You don't get to shove Jesus down my throat.  I can choose to have an abortion if I want to. You don't get to tell me no. I can choose to marry whomever I want to in my state. Equality is for everyone.  As long as I live, you will never get to decide how I live, love, or learn.

Senator Obama, as you can see, we are up against an irrational, condescending, and cynical opponent who is counting on half of our country to eat up their bullshit with a big, old spoon. You can fight back and still run a principled campaign. I know you can. You've shown me you can. So please, take the advice of Joe Biden's mother: "Bloody their noses so you can walk down the street tomorrow."

You have to do it. For hope. For us.

Sincerely,
Stefania Pomponi Butler

If you want to sign this letter along with Stefania Pomponi Butler and give Barack Obama your permission to fight back and win this election, please do so in the comments.

Comments

[xiaolinmama]

Grrl - that is one hell of a post! I am SO with you! and as I told the lady in the Starbucks this morning who told me she thought she was discouraged and wasn't sure Obama would pull this off, "This is NOT over yet - not over my dead body!"

[Beth B.]

One big cyber-sign from me! Couldn't have said it better.. Obama - please - take out those gloves...
regards.
Beth Blecherman

[cynematic]

I am freaking standing on my chair applauding! And cheering! Shouting BRAVA!!

Senator Obama: I think you can permit yourself one righteous, laser-focused, brief rant. But just one. Make your well-chosen words scalpels, and make it count. Even better if it's laceratingly witty.

And then let's hear the righteous fury of all your surrogates--Biden, Clinton, Sebelius, Klobuchar, Clinton, McCaskill, Rendell, Kaine, Richardson, Bayh...all of them--immediately joining your voice with theirs in a thundering chorus that'll crash onto McCain-Palin like a tsunami.

If you do, we'll be joining in right alongside you. You won't be alone. You've given so much by way of inspiration, strength, and uplift through disciplined example. Let all of us help you now.

[LizP]

Stefania, that is one totally awesome post! You have the support of me, my husband, my two teenage stepsons (one who will be of voting age by 11/4), my MIL and my FIL. Joe Biden has the support of my mom (sorry that's the best I can do about her).

We have 54 days to go. The clock is ticking and this is not a drill!

[Kathleen Duryea]

Stephanie, you have reminded me why I cannot give in to hopelessness and cynicism, why the fight must go on, against Rovian tactics and exteme views which pit us against each other. I hope Obama heeds your cry, as this 60 year old woman would like to see a victory for common sense, intelligence and compassion. Brava!

[laura]

Dear Mr. Obama.
I, like your mother was, am a single mother raising 2 children attending private schools on scholarships that I have fought to attain. I am 47 with a medical condition that does not allow me to have health insurance since I am self employed. I work 2 jobs in a service profession I am proud of. I pray every night that I stay well to see my children into adulthood. I am facing the realities of an economy that renders me helpless and will be forced to sell the home we have lived in for 15 years. I am seething at the prospect that my family may possibly endure 4-8 more years of a failed administration that has filled the pockets of oil companies, supported privatized war, lied to my fellow citizens and friends, corrupted the world opinion with arrogance and isolation on the backs of my colleagues, community, ultimately my country. Sir please consider the message that began your campaign. I listen to my clients EVERY SINGLE DAY convey their fears about the country, their challenges to meet their bills and budgetary crisies...The way I see it, there are no other options. none.
I believe in your message. Avoid the People Magazine pitfalls. Dial your focus to issues that affect the United States.
You are a brilliant man with a vision of "the possible". I share your vision for myself, my children and our world. Kick some ass!

[Amanda]

sign my name.

everything i have thought and felt so perfectly stated.

thank you, thank you, thank you.

and barack - yes we can and yes YOU can. so looking forward to calling you mr. president.

[Lee Anne]

AMEN :) Very well put. And ditto cynematic - you both nailed exactly what I've been thinking.

Add our family to the list.

[halimah]

Everything I've wanted to say and more! Senator Obama, you have the support of my entire family - from my 11 year old son all the way up to my housebound 81 year old mother.

[progressive gal]

Seriously - can we put this on a petition site? Please sign me up!

I am constantly amazed at the conversations the talking heads have. Not focusing on issues but about Palin's appeal to Hillary voters. Well, hello! I WAS A HILLARY VOTER and I've paid enough fees in babysitters to be able to be involved with Obama's campaign that I have to laugh at the notion that someone like me could EVER be interested in an intellectual lightweight like Palin *because* I supported Hillary first. It is like they are talking about unicorns - you hear of them but never actually see them. It is the stuff of myth...makes a great story.

Sen. Obama needs to keep repeating - "Are you better off now than you were 8 years ago?" If not, vote for me. Because we all surely know that a McCain presidency will finish off the middle class like the Bush administration started to do (and has had great success in - though that is nothing to cheer at).

Lawyermama and I are hard at work here in Virginia. When I get frazzled and run out of milk, get behind in schoolwork, and see the piles of laundry, I remind myself what is at stake. We can't relax, we have to keep fighting. I will never forgive myself if I look back and think - I could have done a little more back then in those last weeks. I want to know I was part of the group that made a difference. I wouldn't be able to look my children in the eyes if I did any different!

Thanks for this post Stephania. Thank you!

[Scheherazade Khan]

This is why America is the greatest country in the world...FREEDOM OF SPEECH! Go Girl! Sen. Obama has been waging the campaign of the high road. Unfortunately, with the insertion of this know-nothing anti-wildlife candidate with a stepford smile and a "go get 'em" war policy" (see comments on Russia) the gloves have to come off. SEN. BARACK OBAMA THIS IS YOUR LIFE, you are the candidate we moms have been waiting for! We need careful, thoughtful, considered, WISE leadership, at the end of the day, only you can provide this.

[Tina Roggenkamp]

Add me to the list. I can't say anything that already hasn't been said more eloquently by everyone else here.

[birdgal]

Sign me up! You may be interested in this article at the NY Times about how Obama will be sharpening his tone in response to McCain/Palin hijacking his 'change' message:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/12/us/politics/12obama.html?th&emc=th

[Miss Britt]

Add my name to the list.

And Obama? It's OK. Self righteous anger is not the same as a smear.

Dude - even Jesus got angry.

[babs]

I had a hard time choosing between Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama. But I am voting for real change, yes we can and lets get up! I am very angry that they chose a woman whose only qualification is being Prolife. All Hillary supporters must be as angry as I am, because she is the anti-Hillary! I am a mom, this is for my sons future. McCain, if elected, will be the oldest president ever, and may die in office. She is not qualified to be the vice president just because you can see Russia from where she lives.

[bugsoup]

You've been dugg:

http://digg.com/political_opinion/Open_Letter_to_Barack_Obama_7

[spicymamasf]

oooooh! I am right there with you, but I tell you, I really feel Palin is the bait, a perfectly, strategically picked one at that. The GOP are hoping for a serious fight with ANY negative words towards the "cute, tough lil' mom". No matter how much you and I can feel disgusted about her, they will cry more than foul for attacks, smear on her by Obama-Biden - something they are EXCELLENT at doing with the darling, ready to stir media. I see and hear it all around me with rightist family members. Let's stay on target - McCAIN!!!!! GET HIM and GET HIM GOOD!!!!

[Lacie]

As I listened to Palin answer Charles Gibson's question on the Bush Doctrine I immediatly thought of this video from the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww

Hey Senator McCain if you think Sarah Palin is intellectually qualified to be Vice President why not Miss South Carolina? She is even younger and prettier and we all that American really likes blondes.

McCain/Miss South Carolina 08

[Lacie]

As I listened to Palin answer Charles Gibson's question on the Bush Doctrine I immediatly thought of this video from the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww

Hey Senator McCain if you think Sarah Palin is intellectually qualified to be Vice President why not Miss South Carolina? She is even younger and prettier and we all know that American really likes blondes.

McCain/Miss South Carolina 08

[Lacie]

Aaak damn typos. That is what I get for commenting before I have had coffee.

[Tina]

Amen sister and can I get a hell yeah?
I want Obama to counter this ludicrous and mythical "sexism" claim by showing quotes from the witnesses and Arizona newspapers that heard John McCain tell his infamous and unspeakable jokes about "Chelsea Clinton is so ugly b/c Janet Reno is her dad" and "women love to be nearly beaten to death and repeatedly raped by marvelous apes" and then we'll see who wears the actual sexist clothes.
1. http://www.salon.com/news/1998/06/25newsb.html
2. http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/07/15/did-you-hear-john-mccains-womanrapegorilla-joke/

I also want Obama to shove that "Obama wants to teach kindergartners sex ed" crapola down McCain's lying throat by asking him point blank: "Senator McCain, why do you NOT want to teach young children about "good touches" vs "bad touches"? Do you want children to be victims of molestation, Senator McCain? Have you never seen "To Catch a Predator", sir?..... ummmm... we're waiting for that important answer Senator McCain. What's wrong? A marvelous ape got your tongue?"

[Jo]

Yes!!!! Joanne Alvarez

[Donna]

Thanks for articulating the frustration we are all feeling right now. Let's get back to winning this election!

[Lisa]

Stefania,

Like others, I am standing with you CHEERING. You said all that was in my heart and mind and so very eloquently.

More and more are awakening from this slumber and that makes me hopeful for our country.

EXCELLENT letter.

Lisa Wechtenhiser
Maryland

[Katie Kroll]

Excellent post, Stephania. I couldn't agree more. Thank you.

Katie Culley Kroll
Smyrna, GA

[ilinap]

YES! YES! YES!

This is precisely what my husband and I yell at the TV every single night. We. Must. Fight.

Sign us up.
Ilina Ewen
Todd Ewen

[Yamaan]

McSame can keep his Wal-Mart moms. Obama's all about the Target Mom. Class not trash in the White House.

[Sarah]

I needed that. I've been increasingly angry for the past 2 weeks. I needed a reminder that we can take that anger and channel it into good. Our anger is righteous and it is justified and it cannot be denied!

[Christina]

Yes! It's now time to fight. I want to hear Obama get out there and get loud. I want him to call out the GOP and refute all of the garbage that's being spread about his plans for the country. Come on, Obama. The time is now. Let's go.

[Rebecca Jill]

I just found this blog this week. I'm not even a mom but an aunt to my beautiful 14-month-old niece, and I'm now a regular reader, especially due to posts like these. This letter is brilliant. I'm sick of my intelligence being insulted since, I don't know for how long now, but it's been a long time, and I know I and others have had enough. Bravo!

[Sharon]

Yes, yes, yes! Today is the day and now is the time. Senator Obama, win this election so we can look forward to tomorrow. We want this country back for the American people. Democrats have taken the high road, and we can win if we stay on track. We can win this election on the issues because we tell the truth. We are behind you, Senator Obama. Stand up for us and go all out because this is our chance to bring honesty and integrity back to American government.

[Glennia]

Add me and my husband to the list. My son is 8. In 10 years, he will be shipping off to Iraq if McCain has his way.

McCain=Chump Change

[Susan]

Interesting post Stefania, but I got confused 1/2 way in. The letter is addressed to Senator Obama and then midway you accuse someone of lies. I think I know you meant McCain and Palin but that is not clear. You are a journalist, control your anger and write more clearly!

[Leslie Ashley]

Yes we can! This letter is exactly what I have been feeling! I am so angry at the smears.....Barack Obama, please, please stand up and FIGHT BACK!

[Florinda]

The Republican campaign has been trafficking in distraction ever since the running-mate announcement, and it seems to be working - for the moment. It has to be STOPPED.

The Obama campaign needs to fight back; not with counter-smears, though - because that's not change, that's more of the same! - but by bringing the focus back to the issues, and making their case as powerfully as we know they can.

Awesome letter, Stefania! I'm signing for myself, my husband, and my son who is old enough to vote (and has been on the Obama train for months).

Florinda Pendley Vasquez
Paul Vasquez
Christopher Pendley

[bonggamom]

Count us in. Obama, go tell 'em like it is. Don't let them get away with any more lies and evasions! We don't want ordinary people to be running this country. We want someone so extraordinary he takes our breath away.

[lildb]

b/w the mad chills and the swollen throat, i'm a little beyond saying anything meaningful to add to this post of totally awesome.

other than to thank you.

[PsychMamma]

Hallelujah! Totally with you. Consider it signed, sealed with a kiss and wrapped with lots of hope.

[Paula]

Add me to the list. Stefania expresses so well the rage so many of us are feeling right now.

[Portland Mama]

YES!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Obama,

Don't get swiftboated like Kerry was!! FIGHT back please!!!!

We CANNOT have such an ignorant woman a heartbeat away from the presidency! I want the first female president to be the SMARTEST person in any room. Palin makes all women look stupid!

C.

[GraceD]

Dear Senator Obama,

Sir, with all due respect, I urge you to kick ass and kick ass good.

I speak -

On behalf of my husband, who founded a Silicon Valley start-up that is now a thriving small company dedicated to manufacturing their product (medical lasers used in eye surgery) here in the USA and who is thrilled that your economic plan includes tax breaks for companies like his who keeps manufacturing jobs here in America.

With gratitude from both my husband and me. We possess extensive backgrounds in both academia and industrial scientific/medical research and development and have been continually appalled at the hostile, anti-science environment the Bush administration created to appease far right religious extremists.

With hope for the six children of our happily blended family, fine productive citizens, ages 17 to 37, who want and deserve a peaceful, prosperous life in this great country. They, of any of us, really want you to kick some serious ass.

As for me? I am your sister in spirit and heart. I "get you" and you "get me". I am willing and ready to work harder than I ever have before to rebuild and revive America with you. Know that I am not the only one, know there is a nation full of regular folks like me who want to raise our country up, higher and higher, to a place of integrity, true equality, dignity for all and enlightenment.

Show us the way, Senator Obama. Kick ass while you're at it.

Respectfully,
Grace Davis and Family

[Stacey Whiteley]

Excellent letter, I agree, it's time. Enough is enough. Lies can not sustain a nation, smears will not protect our country, ignorance will not repair our economy. Thank you!
Stacey Whiteley

[Garnell Shumate, Hackensack, NJ]

You are right on with this post Stefania!

This letter is exactly what I have been feeling ever since Huckabee, Giuliani and then Palin's speeches! I am so angry!
Barack AND Joe, stand UP and FIGHT BACK! Fight with such skill and grace that you both embody all the while sticking to the policies! They can't do that!

Take no prisoners (excuse the pun) in your approach, they haven't and won't.

WE all need to forward this to as many people as possible, this was perfectly written.

[PaperMama]

Wholeheartedly agree.

Sincerely,
Liz Cushnie

[Maura]

A thousand times "YES!" Do what it takes. We can't afford to lose another election because we're the "nice guys." America needs you to do this to save it from itself.

[followthatdog]

Don't let them get away with their games. I about stood up and shouted with joy when you called them on their BS with the "lipstick on a pig" nonsense. Keep it up. I suggest you do it everyday. Each time they muddy the water with fake issues and mislead the public, I want you to call it out.

The important thing is not to sink to their level. As you call them on their bullshit you MUST be extra careful about any distortions or representations in your own campaign. Be above board, stick to the message of what you can do for the country, and expose their desire to divert the topic because they don't really want change. They are perfectly happy with the current broken system!

Sincerely,
Laura Williams Argilla

[twizzle]

Stefania,

This is, quite possibly, your best post ever. Your message is clear: We Democrats have gotta fight back right now!

Thank you for getting this powerful message out.

Twizzle

[Natalie]

Yes yes yes! It's just like I teach my son, always take the higher ground when someone is picking a fight, but there may come a point where you need to stick up for yourself and fight back. That is exactly the point that Obama is at. He needs to start kicking butt! I've said it before, I'll say it again, all McCain wants is the presidency, he could give two cents about the state of the country. He's going to continue to play dirty because he knows he is not the best thing for us and *dirty* is all he's got.

[Catherine]

AMEN SISTER. Let's not repeat 2004 where the party thought that Americans would know they were being swiftboated.

[MG]

I 100% agree. I keep finding myself thinking, "Why won't he fight back harder?" This election is too important to let the right wingers smear another one of our candidates. It's amazing how repeating lies over and over again works so well with the electorate. :(