Madison girl, 13, writes to Obama

Dear President Obama,

The air is crisp and fogged with each breath of the four million people watching, waiting for a new chapter in history to begin. The date is Jan. 20, 2009, Inauguration Day. However, this Inauguration Day won’t be the same as any other. Today history unfolds as you, the first black American president, are sworn in.

You were voted because of your leadership, integrity, honor and hope for the future. These qualities are something our broken country needs.

You stand at the podium, relaxed and, at the same time, restless. You know the challenges we face, and we know you are ready to face them head on. Guantanamo Bay, the war on Iraq, the declining economy, and the deteriorating environment will be fixed slowly and surely over the course of your term. Your term and policies will hopefully change the course of the country.

As I do not question your policies or truths, I do have questions for you. As a president, you promise to fill all the “big cracks,” but, what about the “fine cracks”? America is trying to drill oil off shore in places where we won’t see oil for years! Yet, you promise to boost the rate in which environmentally friendly technology and power sources are produced and used.

And in Alaska, the wildlife refuges are being slowly diminished for oil. Many animals and endangered species face an undignified death because of it. What will you do to ensure these animals a future? Our environment is declining, fast.

I think before we face the war or oil crisis, we need to focus on getting the economy back on track to ensure the futures of the less fortunate, and to send the country into a greener era. Windmills are expensive, but with a steady economy we can afford them, of all things.

We can also work together to put an environmentally friendly twist on our communities. Solar panels on big public buildings and more clubs and awareness for our school systems is a must. To add the environmental awareness in school curricula will increase chances for our generations to become aware and productive to protect and save the earth.

America voted you to help us. We voted you to change our futures, and repave the road for a better country. America has faith in you and we’re sure you will not let us down.

However, do stop and look around to enjoy the view, and don’t overlook the smallest cracks. We are on the rise because of you and so is history. And within your term, I can only hope that you will prevail for us, for your family, and the world to come.

As you step away from Lincoln’s Bible, you are the new president, and the beginning of a chapter unfolds before our eyes. Millions are relieved for your presence. You can change the world, and we have all the faith that you will.

Don’t let us down and the best of luck.

(Guest columnist Emily Elizabeth Kohl is the 13-year-old daughter of Ed and Ruth Kohl of Madison. She wrote the preceding column for a class at her school, Gymes Memorial School in Orange. Contact her via e-mail at lberry@grymesschool.org.)