To our generation, President Barack Obama has symbolized many things: change for the better, progress toward a brighter future, and acceptance of all people, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture, nationality, ethnicity. We grew up during his tenure in office. We now are facing adulthood. President Obama, too, is facing a new chapter as he will leave the Presidency.
Many of us are looking forward, filled with anxiety, and unsure of where our country is headed. A different kind of change is already taking place around us before President Obama has even left. Due to the political polarization of this time, many of President Obama's accomplishments tend to be overlooked or even disavowed.
As we say farewell to him on January 20th, I'd like to also express my gratitude.
So Thanks, Obama! Thank you for...
1. Signing the Dodd-Frank Act
By signing Dodd-Frank into law on July 21, 2010, you took on Wall Street and began the fight by advocating for the middle-class families of this country.
2. Opening Diplomatic Relations with Cuba
After 56 years of silence, your decision to open relations with Cuba showed your administration's true to commitment to positive change.
3. Passing Healthcare Reform
Through the Affordable Care Act, "Obamacare," up to 10 million Americans were insured!
4. Bringing Osama bin Laden to Justice
On May 1, 2011, you looked on as Operation Neptune Spear was enacted successfully, later sharing the news with the American public.
5. Straightening Out the Mess of an Economy You Inherited
The unemployment rate is down, jobs and wages are increasing, economic growth is on the rise. You lifted us out of a recession, which could have hurt us more than it already had, so Thanks, Obama.
Thank you, Obama. You could have spent your remaining time in office bitter about the way the 2016 Presidential Election ended, but instead, just as you, Michelle, Malia, Sasha, Bo and Sunny have done in the past, you have closed your chapter of American history with class and professionalism.
You and your family have led us through the ups and downs of the last eight years with grace, compassion and kindness. When they went low, you stayed high.
We are grateful everything you have done (and by no means is my list exhaustive). I hope you and your family are able to easily transition from the White House, and I wish you nothing but the best.
I am proud to have been able to call you my president. Thank you for rising to the office of the Presidency, for conducting yourself in the most dignified manner, even in the most difficult and trying times, and for representing true American values of love, family, empathy, diversity, and progress.
Thank you for every moment, from the beginning
to the middle
and to the end.
Thanks, Obama. Thanks for everything.
And goodbye.
I hope this was as therapeutic for you as it was for me.
