A letter to President-Elect Obama
November 8, 2008 by Susie Collins
Dear President-Elect Obama,
I am jubilant at your victory! I wish you a heartfelt congratulations. It was a long, hard campaign that you managed flawlessly, and if your skills at running a campaign are any indication of the way you will run the federal government, then we are in good hands indeed.
I know many people and organizations are petitioning you this week, pleading their case or personal issue and hoping you will deliver the change you’ve promised. Those of us who have suffered under the policies of the Bush Administration are desperate for relief and we each want to make sure that our corner of the universe is touched by your promise of change.
I’ve worked in Democratic politics at both the local and national level enough to know that campaigns are one thing and governing something else entirely. I know that you will not be able to deliver on absolutely everything you hope to. But rather than feeling desperate that my particular issue will not be addressed and righted in the coming eight years, I instead feel great confidence that indeed it will.
My issue is the environment. Not the Big Picture of climate change that most of the world is focusing on right now– of course arguably the most important issue of our times–, but rather the immediate environment of our homes, places of work, and public spaces. You see, I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and so my issue is the need for strong, enforced policy that forces corporate entities and businesses to stop polluting our air, water, soil and bodies with toxic synthetic chemicals.
I am especially concerned about the 80,000 synthetic chemicals that are being put into everyday household and other commercial products, most of which have not undergone rigorous study as to their impact on public health. This is disconcerting given that many of these toxic chemicals from the marketplace are showing up in our blood, and most disturbing, the blood of our children.
The Bush Administration has allowed corporate interests to run rough shod over environmental and consumer policy. Bush officials have lied to the American people and to the international community about the severity of toxic chemicals in the marketplace, which left the European Union no choice but to take control of the issue on the global stage. I am grateful for that, but deeply ashamed that my country is not at the forefront of this pressing issue.
Of all the images produced during your stirring campaign, what sticks with me the most are the faces of the people in the crowd at Grant Park as you addressed the nation as the new president-elect. I don’t believe I have ever seen such unbridled joy and optimism at any political event. But now comes the time for the real work, and I know in my heart of hearts that you will do what’s right and lead the federal government to do its job in protecting the health, safety and welfare of the American people.
Aloha and mahalo to you, our native son. Go do us proud. Imua!
Susie Collins
This is perfectly timed and clearly articulated. The focus for change does need to be at the base … where the environment is changed because of choices and decisions that COULD AND NEED to be different. Those of us who live with the reality of unconscious decisions or worse, arrogant and greed driven decisions know the consequences every day.
I too am thrilled with Barack Obama’s election to a position that can lead to changes at a far-reaching level. He will need to hear from the maka ainana … those in the grass, the US. So maikai nui Susie for writing to President Elect Obama. There is never too much practice at listening.
All the best with your work, Mokihana Calizar
Thank you Susie for speaking for all of us who suffer from MCS. While President elect Obama has much on his plate with the economy, I am confident that he’ll be addressing the environment in his first year also. As my 6 year old niece so eloquently stated, “Obama will taken better care of the earth”. For that, we will all be thankful.
Sending a hug,
Missy
Aloha Mokihana and Missy. I really do believe Obama will put true professionals in charge of the regulatory agencies that take care of public health like the FDA and EPA and we will see a systemic change in the way policy is made and enforced.
Thank you, Susie, for so articulately putting our case before the new President.
It will be exciting to see this kind of change coming that will have a positive affect on all Americans…and the world!!!!
Ruth, It’s been very exciting to see the waves of letters going to Obama on a variety of issues, all about protecting the health, safety and welfare of the American people and the environment. These are exciting times, a golden opportunity for redemption. Let’s see what he and his administration can do.