To Quincy and children across the country

Parade Magazine has published a very sweet, very poignant letter that President-elect Barack Obama wrote for his young daughters Malia and Sasha. In Obama's letter to his daughters, he explains to them why he decided to take their family on the extraordinary journey to the White House and shares his hopes for their future and for the future of all children in the US. Here is the Obama family on the cover of Parade magazine and an excerpt from his letter to his daughters:



“When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation. I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity … I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you’ve had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential. These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure. I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.”

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What a very sweet letter. The letter is really a letter meant for the children of the US and is a promise for a more hopeful future for our country. Speaking to (and through) his children, President-elect Obama is trying to remind folks, again, that there is much work ahead for our country to get back on the path to prosperity. I am so happy to be a part of this movement and can't wait for the progress that we will soon make. Below is the full text of Obama’s letter to his children — and to us as a nation...



SO EXCITED! Let's get this man inaugurated!