Approximately one year ago, I wrote but did not send this letter to the former President Barack Obama. My political state of mind then is drastically different from what it is currently. No matter what side of the political spectrum you find yourself, always remember that “love trumps hate.”
7/28/16
Dear President Obama, I hope this letter find you and your family in very good health. I have toyed with the idea of writing to you for quite some time; however, that desire birthed after your impassioned endorsement of Secretary Clinton last night (7/27/16).
Last night’s speech reignited the reasons I voted for you twice and dispelled any ambivalence I had about voting for Secretary Clinton. As a mother of two black young boys ages 13 and 10, I would like to personally thank you for what you represent for my boys and all others like them. Thank you for making their dreams bigger and their hopes for a better future higher. Thank you for the care and concern you show for all people, regardless of who they are. Thank you for understanding and always working to improve the issues regular people face as they try to live their daily lives.
As an African immigrant who came to the US in December of 1991 in order to flee civil war in my birth country of Sierra Leone, I appreciate your respect for immigrants and their contributions to this great nation. I admire your knack for uniting people, as well as your perpetual optimism. I’d be remiss if I fail to mention that I witnessed first-hand some of the impact of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) on the lives of my fellow residents of the great State of Connecticut. The State of Connecticut participated in Medicaid expansion. As a Connecticut State employee (Medicaid), I saw our Medicaid membership increase by over 100 thousand individuals who would otherwise not have health insurance coverage had it not been for the ACA. Also, in order to be consistent with a provision in the ACA that prohibits health insurance companies from discriminating against transgender individuals, Connecticut State revised its regulations and started covering healthcare services for transgender individuals effective April 2nd of 2015, albeit almost 5 years post ACA implementation.
Last but by no means least, thank you for all you have done for the people of this country. I truly wish that your mother was around to revel in your transformation of the world. I’m pretty sure that she’s smiling down on you saying “that’s my boy Barack.” I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and best regards to first lady Michelle Obama and your two beautiful girls.
Most sincere gratitude,
Fatmata Williams