Dear President Elect Obama,
Like the vast majority of Americans I too am greatly looking forward to your inauguration this coming Tuesday and finally seeing the curtain come down on the dark days of the Bush Administration. With so many things so seriously wrong in our country right now it’s hard for me to decide which issue to address here and now, so I’ll stick with the issue closest to my heart, and that issue is equality for all Americans.
One of the things that struck me when I read your book Dreams From My Father was how you struggled to find a place where you felt you fit in. As the product of an interracial marriage and not having a father in your life it’s easy to understand how you felt not part of the world around you. That’s not much different from the way I felt growing up as a gay American. I am at an age and a point in my life where what other people think of me is of little matter. But the gay youth of our country need to know that they are full members of our society and entitled to all the benefits that our society has to offer, one of those benefits is the right to marry the person of your choice.
You have promised to overturn “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, and by all accounts it looks that will be an early issue of your administration and for that I am grateful. You have also expressed your displeasure with the Defense of Marriage Act. I hope you will continue to be a vocal advocate of overturning that too. It is time for gay Americans to feel that have an equal share of the American Dream, so much of your campaign was based on inclusion for all, please don’t forget the 10% of Americans who happen not to be heterosexual.
With best wishes and much hope for great success for your first term.
Brian A.
New York, NY
The BackChannel Blog 
Ok, despite the stereotypical quality of that pic I just couldn’t resist using it!
good letter, Brian. Well stated.
Oh Brian. Very very very nice. I’m getting inspired for this letter by you and Bev!
Good morning all…..loooooooonnnnnggggg week.
The 80th brithday is over and now on to the rest
Looks like I may end up with just a day off because the weekend person may be backing out.
Watching the beginning of the train trip….awesome and inspiring.
I can’t believe I heard some videohead trying to add controversy to this, Purley as a was to stretch the story for another couple of hours…
“All Aboard!”
BTW, Brain I’m writing mine right now 😉
😆 That Brian not Brain
You were right the first time!
😆
“The 80th brithday is over and now on to the rest”
Shelia, You’re 80? Wow! You look great for 80. Happy Birthday! 😉
LOL Thanks! No hers and I’m very tired after such a crazy holiday season and now this.
I’m being told that the weekend person might be going also. Going to have to put my foot down on that one…..I’m not goint be burnt out by mis-use
Happy Birthday Michelle Obama!
Shelia,
Don’t let them burn you out. If they want a Superbowl party, get ’em a 12-pack of Bud, a bottle of cheap tequila, a bag of Doritos and a can of bean dip.
ps. You look great no matter how old you are!
Happy Birthday Muhammad Ali!
Outstanding and thoughtful post, Brian. I love the picture. You addressed the hope I didn’t include in my post yesterday. The following paragraph from your post is very meaningful to all:
“I am at an age and a point in my life where what other people think of me is of little matter. But the gay youth of our country need to know that they are full members of our society and entitled to all the benefits that our society has to offer, one of those benefits is the right to marry the person of your choice. ”
Bravo for fighting for the hopes and dreams of others. However, I disagree with one thing – no matter what your age and point in life, YOU are just as entitled as any one to be treated equal and have the same civil rights as others.
Ok Back from walking the Dogs. A great way to exercise.
DND, I’ll try. I’m working on their grown kids
I just have to state and I hope its not lost on others trough the haze of the media.
But Obama is really finishing what Lincoln had begun and so its just so fitting that Obama comes into DC on a train. Very fitting.
I mean the Press is starting to get it. This isn’t for Obama, its for the people.
Oh my goodness. this is a must read. Its not a repeat.
King’s Dream
Chuck Todd on camera on the train….lol The techonolgy is running away from us again. They are using broadband “Vodaphone” techonolgy on the train…. instead of satilite. WOW.
I can tell you this. I was involved in the first transmission of one picture to the pentagon before any of us had anything like this. It was in 1993 and that one picture took 15 minutes to transmitt. I have a copy of it on facebook.
Now, you just take your home phone and point and shoot! Wa La! Instantly to a friend.
Shelia,
I don’t think the Lincoln symbolism is lost on (almost) anyone. Lincoln faced a nation divided and in crisis. Ditto Obama.
W.r.t technology, it’s growing exponentially. Five years from now we’re gonna see things we could have never have imagined. This is an exciting time to live.
Heartfelt and beautifully written, Brian. I hope Obama heeds your call.
thanks nan and Bev, actually that second paragraph needs to be two paragraphs, time to edit!
I’m just thinking about how awesome and inspiring that the most “Noted” and greatest President on most minds is Lincoln who in fact emancipated the slaves.
And the first Black American President came from his same Law background and sat in Lincoln’s state senate seat and ran for President with the same kind of forces against him and overcame it.
I mean not just the train ride, but the way inwhich this actually closes a door for our nation on accomplishment. Its almost too much to think about.
Sheila do you need a Valium?
🙂
Just how many cups of coffee have you had so far?
No! I just took a seriously hot shower. One of those that you can barely stand? I’m relaxed now. 😎
Whats your prob Brian? You don’t want me sitting here and spending time? {waiting for the ball to drop}
Does anyone else have a slight sense of disbelief that we are actually going to have a black president? I’m still a bit overwhelmed by it all.
Drop this!
Kicking That…#
…Not me. I am reveling in it. To me President Obama seems to have been born to it and seems to….I mean was ment to be There….
great shot right there in Baltimore
Oh and Happy Birthday Michelle Obama who is 45 today. I mean what a great birthday party 😉
I do, Brian. I still find myself shaking my head and taking in that quick little breath as I hold my hand up to my mouth…you know, that series of little gestures we tend to make when we are surprised or shocked by what we are seeing or hearing…whenever I see Obama waving from the back of that train. My mind can’t quite believe it even though I know it is real. I think my heart will be fluttering high in my chest and this slight lump in my throat will be there until I actually see Barack Obam’s hand on Lincoln’s Bible and hear him take the Oath of Office.
On another note, I am so ticked that Inauguration Day is not a school holiday. I do so wish my grandson and I could watch the events of that day together. It is for him and his generation that I have such high hopes.
Nanny, Why don’t you just take him out of school that day….somethings are worth and lost day of school
Watching Baltimore whistle stop with 35,000
Nanny, My Dad let me stay up for RFK’s California win. As the night unfolded he let me witness and stay up waiting for reports on whether or not RFK was alright. My dad let me sleep in and go to class in the afternoon. I was 11.
I will never forget that night and it has stayed with me thought the years. Not because he was killed. But that memory made RFK’s greatness lost loomed larger in my memory and helped me develop a part of my charactor that is about care and equality for all.
just sharing.
Israel Announces Cease-Fire in Gaza
Israel announced a unilateral cease-fire on Saturday evening
in the three-week-old war in Gaza that has killed at least
1,200 Palestinians and 13 Israelis. Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert told Israelis in a televised address: “The conditions
have been created that our aims, as declared, were attained
fully, and beyond.”
I can’t keep him home. NY State ELA assessment tests are being given that day. That is part of why I am so annoyed.
The kids should not have to take tests when history is being made!
*stretches and yawns*
God I love long naps on cold days!
My inaugural gift to you all
http://www.brianarens.com/blog/inauguration/index.htm
Enjoy!
Too funny, Hannity is blaming the plane crash on Schummer and environmentalists for protecting migratory birds!
Brian,
One thing I’ve noticed with right-wing pundits is their coin is bombast and feigned outrage, making up “facts” along the way to support their position.
I miss William F. Buckley.
NEW THREAD
I liked your letter and strongly agree with you. Three years ago, our local high school would not allow a Gay and Lesbian Club. I just heard the whole story over Christmas, from the girl who tried to start it.
I couldn’t believe may ears…..Had I heard about it when it happened I would have been on them like, well you know….
Great letter, I liked the pic….it’s cute 🙂