Dear Mr. President,
This newspaper has urged readers to submit a fan letter for these pages to celebrate your visit.
I must admit that I am not a “fan”, but I’m sure you are aware that you have some in the Quad Cities, apparently some employed by this newspaper.
I know of the deep well of compassion you have often claimed on behalf of those of us of lesser talents and abilities. Given your deep concern for the welfare of people, I am wondering, Mr. President, if you plan to replace your current running mate with someone less likely to again suffer by comparison to his counterpart on your opponent’s ticket? It would be contrary to your stated concern for humanity, it seems, that you’d want to allow your closest professional colleague to endure another embarrassing defeat at the hands of a more appealing and intellectually far superior opponent in a nationally televised debate.
But, of course, I respect the fact that it’s your call.
This newspaper has encouraged us to be candid in our comments, but also cautioned us to be “kind” to you. I hope this note fulfills those expectations.
I want you to know, Mr. President, that I join with many other Americans in wishing for you and Michele many happy years of retirement as you achieve that milestone in January, 2013.
Sincerely and with all best wishes, Don Holmes
The kids over at the QC area’s widely acclaimed school paper are really thrilled about the president’s latest campaign appearance here. An editorial in the QC Times on Saturday urged readers to send in letters expressing their “candid…messages” to President Obama…a “dose of that candor for which Iowans are so famous”.
Writers were cautioned, however, to be “kind” with their remarks. So keep in mind, folks, unkind letters will not be accepted. It’s rumored that the letters received by the Times are to be packaged in leather bound volumes and presented to the Obama’s as a keepsake from their most loyal fans. Also rumored is that the writers of the 100 “best”, that is the most kind, letters will be invited to the Times’ offices to strew rose petals before the Obama’s when they visit to accept their keepsake from Times ed page editor, Mark Ridolfi.
Finally, one more rumor: The president and his gracious spouse (now a proud American, by the way) will also be presented with an I pod, containing a collection of executive editor, Jan Touney’s speeches.
It is expected that a good time will be had by all.