An open Letter to the President-Elect Barack Obama

from Mohammed Khaku

ccun.org, November 7, 2008
 
 
I hope this letter will find you and your honored family in the best of health with the grace of Almighty God.

Mr. President.

I must say you have taken up a responsibility that is overly daunting and heavy at the worst time in the history of America. America is a great country that has sadly suffered a great calamity – eight years of neo-conservatism. It needs a leader who will unite, heal and revive America with wisdom and enthusiasm. Your victory gives mandate for American to live in peace and security after seven years of “War On Terror.” As you assume your new position in January I request you to give highest priority to protecting the rights of all people regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity
 
I write this letter to congratulate on your tremendous achievement of becoming the 44th president of United State. I am sure that most, if not the entire world echoes me in the sentiments a historical and a joyous day. I know you will receive many thousand letters like this one, but I hope that I can reemphasize the contribution you can make towards resolving the crises at home and abroad.
 
I am writing this letter in hope that you will not take into account with regards to my faith, ethnicity or color, but as a concerned and a proud citizen. I never thought it would be necessary to write to the man whom I consider to be one of the countrymen who has made history because of his sincerity, ability, discipline and knowledge.
 
Mr. President

Your achievement has inspired a wave of political enthusiasm like nothing seen in this country for decades. In your eloquent speeches you have sketched out a vision of a better future in which United States ends it warlike stances around the world and focuses on diplomacy abroad and greater equality and freedom for its citizens at home. Your belief in “change” which you have claimed as the mantle of your campaign is commendable and I request you to stand firm on the principle you have so compelling articulated, and encourage us to believe in it. The millions, who attended your rallies, donated to your campaign and have now voted for you, need to see the “Change”. I urge you to listen to the voices of the people who lifted you to the President, rather than to the powerful lobbies and special interest group who will elevate you the top floor and then drop you.
 
We are a divided nation, almost 50-50 nation of blue and red state, so let us look at a great man of our time Mr. Nelson Mandela. After 27 years in prison, he spoke of truth and reconciliation taking a divided South Africa to a healed Nation. Immediately after his release and becoming the President he help guide South Africa to its promising future with no rancor or hate in his heart for those who oppressed him. For him South Africa was too important and close to his heart to feel angry. He never routed for the road of personal revenge. The need for Unity is greater goal and ideal for all of us. Mr. President, if you want your legacy to live forever among the coming generations please do not misuse this great opportunity now in your hands and take the right decision for America’s sake God Bless America.
 
You have echoed many issues in numerous public statements. I would like to bring to your attention several areas of concern:
 
The economy has now become the most important issue for Americans. There are widespread fears of a global recession. Mr. President you need to act quickly, decisively and give assurance to create jobs and stimulates the economy. I implore you to pass legislation that reduces the gap between the rich and the middle class with fair progressive tax system
 
Mr. President

I hope you will engage Muslims rather than distance yourself from them, in order to appeal to the power of prejudice and hate. Mr. President you should publicly stand next to Muslims and not shy away because of the political climate or culture of fear of Muslims, which has polarized and disenfranchised our nation and created this Islam phobia. As General Colin Powell said “you have both style and substance to be an exceptional president”
 
The war in Iraq and Afghanistan remains the threshold and I am convinced that American policy towards Iraq is not succeeding, hence withdrawing in timely manner is the best way to bring peace and stability in Iraq and Middle East. It is more beneficial to bring our troops home and to spend ten billion dollars for the benefit and prosperity of American people rather than perceived as an occupiers of a foreign country.
 
With regard to Iran, the U.S. approach towards Islamic Republic of Iran remains ossified. The Ayatollahs in Tehran continue to be branded as nuclear-obsessed terrorist and treated as international pariah who only understands threat and isolation. Iran was not born this century. It is the world second oldest state after China. Regime have come and gone in its long history. What Ayatollahs desire is not a nuclear suicide but dialogue, legitimate role in the Middle East and Nuclear free Middle East.
 
America is facing a healthcare crisis and American citizens are in dire need of a Universal quality healthcare where every individual is covered. At present nearly 47 million American are uninsured, including 9 million children. We need a president to address uninsured, health care cost, prescription drug cost, Medicare and make preventive healthcare and obesity in children a national priority in order to improve the long-term health of Americans.
 
In order to have peace in Middle East, we need resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Create a new future for Israelis and Palestinians. Support Justice for both Israelis and Palestinians. We hope this support will embolden you and your administration to proceed confidently and forthrightly in negotiations with both sides in the region.
 
With regards to the crimes of the past by the previous administration, I urge your office to work with international court and special prosecutor to investigate, so that the persons involved in serious war crimes and crimes against humanity can be called in to account for their atrocities.
 
I strongly advise you to seek greater support from the international community on global issues rather than be arrogant and make unilateral decision
 
I request you to appoint judges who are committed to uphold the rule of law, human rights and the Constitution rather than based on nepotism
 
You ought to implement an environmental policy that transforms the economy, safe guards our environment and creates millions of jobs.
 
With regards to immigration, it is imperative that you ensure a humane policy towards all people, legal or illegal.
 
 Mr. President

 I urge you to seize opportunity and to articulate a new strategy that would secure the interests of the US. That strategy should aim, above all to withdraw from Iraq, embark on “Nixon in China” visit to Tehran and have a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. You have the opportunity to change both America and the World’s future. We need enlightened leadership. We must recognize that we live in very diverse country and interdependent world. Our nation’s history shows that in times of great national crises, our leaders rise to the occasion for the national good. I am confident that you will lead America to peace and prosperity.
 
I am confident that you will play an instrumental  role in the establishment of truth, justice, morals and ethics throughout your administration and remember that injustice and transgression will eventually bring about decline and demise of your administration.
 
“But those who repent, have faith and do good may receive Salvation. Your Lord alone creates and chooses as He will, and others have no part in His choice. Glorified is God.” (28:67-78)
 
Finally I would request you to read the book “The Voice of Human Justice” by George Jordac and the Book Nahj Al-Balagha (a collection of saying of Imam Ali). Imam Ali, the icon of Justice – The man who practically demonstrated to the world the concept of human rights and social justice. He left behind an immortal legacy, which has continued to inspire humanity towards lofty goals of justice in society and adapted by the human rights at United Nation.
 
A Proud But Concerned citizen
 Mohammed Khaku

The author of this article was born in Mombasa, Kenya, residing now in PA, USA

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