The Honorable Barack H. Obama
President of the United States
The White House
December 16, 2009
Dear Mr. President,
Recently I watched and read your speech on the war in Afghanistan, and so thought to take this moment to write you to express my support - not just for your stance on the war, but on your service as president in general. Having served in Afghanistan a few years ago as part of the mission to train the Afghan National Army, I was pleased to hear your commitment to finishing the mission there. My wife Toni is also very gratified by this. Not only is she the daughter, daughter-in-law, wife and mother of veterans, she works at the Veterans Administration medical center in North Little Rock, where she has seen for herself the dramatic increase in the number of veterans requiring care. Thank you for your support of the military and our veterans.
I should tell you - sheepishly - that neither Toni nor I voted for you for president, thinking you too inexperienced for the office; we are independents who always evaluate each candidate individually and his or her qualifications for the office sought. We both admit that we were wrong, and the quality of your service and dedication to your duty has transformed us into steadfast supporters of yours. We are completely impressed with the diligence, energy, and dignity with which you have confronted so many daunting problems facing our nation, none of them of your making. Please don't become discouraged.
Enclosed with this letter you will find a copy of our church's bulletin from last Sunday. About half way through the order of worship, under "Prayers of the People", you will notice that there is a prayer for you and for other public servants. Please know that at least in this one congregation, we pray regularly for you - not for your prosperity or success per se, but for you to serve wisely and well and to support peace, justice, and the dignity of all people. I believe that you have striven to do this.
If your work should ever bring you to Arkansas, please know that you have a standing invitation to dinner in our home for an evening free of politics. Naturally this invitation extends to Mrs. Obama, Malia, and Sasha if they should happen to be with you at the time. If you are here on a Sunday, we would be honored if you would worship with us at our church.
Thank you for all that you do for our nation. May God bless you and your family. Our best wishes to you all for a happy and peaceful holiday season.
Respectfully yours,
John I. “Don” Kaminar