Picking a President

We are all affected by the choice for President, whether we’re able to vote or not. Amidst the joy now felt in our neighborhood, is also a yearning for what positive change our new President will bring. And it’s not just adults who feel it – it’s everyone.

The week before the election, John Muir Elementary School 5th grade teacher Ms Hale gave her kids a writing assignment: Who should be President, and why? The answers are surprisingly direct, and full of hope and wisdom. Although each student deserves to have his or her essay printed in full, space limitations won’t allow that. So, below are excerpts from the papers we received. After reading them, you’ll understand what wonderful children full of promise we have in the neighborhood.

Photo: Paul Olsen

“Barack Obama would be a good President because he cares about America. He will help America with their taxes and he will make it fair for everyone.”

“I would vote for Barack Obama, but not because he’s black. Barack Obama will do good things like help homeless people and not send people to war to get killed.”

“If Barack Obama is President, he might end the war and take responsibility for ending violence in areas like my neighborhood.”

“It is important to have an African-American President because we have not had one before. This will be good for America because it will help end violence and be good for all people.”

“Barack Obama will help people by lowering prices and taxes. Barack Obama will help all people because he is not a racist.”

“Barack Obama will stop the war with Iraq. No more people will be killed and people will learn to get along.”

“I think Barack Obama will be the President because he is smart and he will be a good President. He will be a great President because he is serious and he will do the best for what America needs.”

“Barack Obama will be a good President because he will help make the United States better. He will help the economy and to make the world a better place.”

“If Barack Obama is President, he will change things for the better. He will stop the gang violence and the drug selling... He would help people who are struggling by giving them a job... He would keep children in the school to go to college.”

These are remarkable sentiments from 9 to 11 year-old members of our community. Their candidate won, and we hope their wishes for him, and for us, come true.