Dear Barack:

First off, I hope you don’t mind me calling you by your first name. Thing is, you kind of invite that type of familiarity. And that’s a good thing. And you can call me “Nance”, just so we’re both on a level playing field here and all.

Now down to business.

“Yes, we can.” It was more than a great campaign slogan – it was a great concept. You didn’t tell us, the citizenry, that we were in a position to do incredible things. But you did remind us of that fact – and, as they say, not a moment too soon. Let’s face it – we, as a nation, were sorely in need of being reminded. And we collectively thank you for doing the remindin’.

That being said, I think – no, I KNOW, you’re smart enough to realize that once an idea like that takes hold, it also takes on a life of its own. There’s simply no stoppin’ it. You’re gonna get people all over the place saying, “Yes, we can,” and they’re gonna mean it when they say it. And when anyone – even you – looks to be standing in the way of what we can do, because we have determined that it needs to be done, you’re going to have to step to one side or get mowed down by the ball you started rolling.

The torturers – perfect case in point. They have brought shame on our country, endangered our national security and our standing in the world, and they don’t deserve to live among decent human beings. “Yes, we can” keep harping on the topic until they are arrested, tried, and sent to prison. And we won’t stop until justice prevails.

Healthcare reform – just try and stop us now. “Yes, we can” throw the greedy, profit-minded insurance companies OUT of the mix, and ensure that every American can sleep easy knowing they won’t be bankrupted by medical bills because their insurance premiums are destined for some CEO’s pocket rather than their life-saving treatment.

Equal rights for all Americans – including gay/lesbian Americans. “Yes, we can” continue to fight for equal rights, equal treatment, equal recognition of marriage under the law. Hearts and minds are changing quickly and drastically on this topic, and the law of the land will soon follow, whether the die-hard Fundies (who have no right to dictate the law based on their religious beliefs in the first instance) like it or not.

There’s a lot more to be said, Barack – but I think you get the picture.

Don’t get me wrong. I love the job you’re doing so far, and I know it’s not an easy row to hoe. I’m willing to be patient, and give you as much room as you may need in future to spread your wings and fly. You inherited a mess and I (for one) never expected you to fix everything that needs fixin’ on day one at the job.

But I just wanted to remind you that you’ve started something here, this “Yes, we can” thing, and we’re taking it seriously.

Now, I could be way off base here, but being the smart fella you have proven yourself to be, I think you always knew that we would take that ball and run with it. And we have. And we will continue to do so.

So you keep doing that presidentin’ thing you’re so good at – and we’ll keep doing that citizenry thing you’ve reminded us we can be so good at. And in the end, between us, we’ll set things right.

Thanks and all, and never forget that “Yes, we can.” And we will. You, me, and the other guy. Together.

--- Nance