Obvious Magazine - Political Issue

Dear Mr. Obama,

I want to start by saying, “Congratulations on your victory as the next United States of America President and the first African-American to hold this prestigious title”. I want you to know also that I didn’t vote for you because you were Black, I voted for you because I felt you were the best man for the job who just happens to be Black.

What you’ve been through for the last 2 years to get to where you are today took dedication, drive, dignity, tears and consistency. For the past 2 years, I’ve limited my opinion about the entire campaign because I wanted to focus on who I felt earned my vote. I am proud to say you’ve done that!

As American’s celebrate your historic victory; I’ve realized that there will be three types of celebrations. One being from our parents and grandparents who never thought they would see the day a Black President holding office in the White House after surviving our brutal past, two being Americans who just want change and their dignity back and third the younger generation who’ve voted for the first time with you as their first Presidential vote. This is monumental!

I’ve realized that I have created hope and inspired to all the people who come in contact with my publication and me as a person. This leaves me speechless. There’s a quote I live by that states: “You will get whatever you want if you help enough people get what they want”. I believe this is true and will manifest if you do this unconsciously and without expecting reward.

Your campaign has continued to bring hope not only to me but to all America’s who’ve supported your cause from day one. You have inspired me to keep doing what I do as a proud man and a proud African American.

While you will be continuing to prepare for your Presidency, remember this: Don’t complain, criticize or condemn.

God bless you and your family and the people who stand beside and/or behind you in your time of need.

This is what my Obvious Family does for me.

Jerris Madison

Creative Director – Publisher
Obvious Magazine
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My words can not even begin to express what I'm feeling right now! Obama! Obama! is still ringing in my ears, I'm still teary eyed when I remember last night November 4th, 2008. Voting this year meant more to me than it ever has, especially since I didn't register to vote until 4 years ago. I was one of those people who didn't think my vote mattered or counted, and I thank God that I woke up or that somebody checked me! I can't imagine if everyone stayed home and gave up and let others determine our future. I don't even want to think of what could have happened. Yes, we have miles to go before we sleep and miles to go before we sleep.

This journey is not going to be easy but tell me what journey is? I pray strength for President Elect Obama and his family, every man that has sat in the seat he is about to sit in has faced many difficult obstacles and decisions. This is what I know, if Obama didn't have what it takes to be the man, he wouldn't be the MAN! This is not the time to sit back and relax, now it is time to help make the changes we have all been screaming about for the last several years!

Thank you for reading my words, it's just my opinion and nothing that I've said is the law!

God Bless,

Page
Asst. to Publisher
Obvious Magazine

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In my heart, I did not expect to ever see an African American become president in the United States of America in my lifetime. This historical event is still baffling for me, but when God has a divine plan my thoughts have no measure.

When I was growing up in elementary school I used to tell my teachers all the time that when I grew up I would be the president. Truly I never wanted that position in office, but I wanted to let all my counterparts who were predominately white know that I was as equally capable of having the highest office in the United States as they were. A dream that I only used to justify my equality has now become a reality for Barack Obama.

Not only am I proud of being an African American at this time, I am proud of my country for overlooking the obvious with race, and letting the facts be their judgment in this election. This road has been a long journey, and hopefully we as a nation can continue to improve our stained history on racial issues.

And to you President Barack Obama, words can not express the satisfaction I feel on your success. Your victory is our victory, and hopefully we can continue to triumph over bigotry. Over the next four years the road will get tough, but you will continue to be in my prayers. You have my full support and not just because you look like me, but because I respect your views and what you stand for as my president.

God Bless,

Brandon Claybon
Entertainment Coordinator
Obvious Magazine

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Dear President Elect Obama,

I want to express my extreme appreciation for the dignified campaign that you ran in your pursuit of the presidency. My 6 year old daughter accompanied me to the polls and pressed your name on the ballet. She was so excited and I was excited for her. What this means for me is that I can look at my children and mean it when I say that they can be anything they desire!

They have no excuse for accepting or expecting anything but the best....that goes for me also. You showed us how to make change happen from the grassroots level. You showed us what can happen when people unite for a common cause. My mother cast her first vote ever in any election on November 4, 2008 and was so proud to scream with me “We did IT”.

You have inspired a nation, a world to believe and to dream once more. I can only imagine that this is what the nation felt like when John F. Kennedy was elected president. You have restored my faith in the democratic process and in the American people. Now that you have the position I hope that you will facilitate the end of a war that has gone on for to long.

Guide us through this economic mess but not by bailing out the companies that took advantage of the consumers in the first place. I hope that you will make it possible for families to live with dignity again. I’d like to be able to have affordable healthcare for my family. As a mother I want to know that my children will be judged by their character and I finally feel that it is possible. People are expecting great things from you and maybe unrealistically.

What I know for sure is that I am proud to be an American and everything that it means!

Golda A. Smith
Finance Editor
Obvious Magazine