Letter is written by:
Kelly is our oldest daughter. I thought this FB note that she posted today to be an excellent post election letter……enjoy.
“A Consolation Letter to All My Friends and Family,
Hi guys. So, this was a long, drawn-out, emotional battle on both fronts and I’m sure (while my moderate conservative, socially liberal friends are feeling GREAT) some you guys must be feeling pretty down right now. But I have a few thoughts that might cheer you up, depending on why you voted for Romney.
To my “Romney would be better for the economy” friends and family:
Maybe. But maybe not. Let’s be honest, there are difficult economic decisions coming up no matter who is President. Individually, we can all do our part by being thoughtful and resourceful in difficult times, supporting each other and the people who need it. And if you have ideas for improving the economy, toss it around with your friends, write letters, and see what you can get done.
To my military friends and family:
Ok, so you didn’t get another 15 warships and “aggression” against Iran. But you did get a man who wants 9 more warships, no indication that military spending is going to be cut significantly, a new manhunt, and a President who believes you are a valuable necessity. Not all bad.
To my “I voted for Romney because Obama supports abortion” friends and family:
Don’t worry, Obama doesn’t actually “support” abortion. He just also doesn’t support government control over this very personal, difficult decision. He’s more in the “I trust the American people with this” camp. He might not get rid of Planned Parenthood, but he’s also not going to get rid of the Pro-Life campaigns, which means you guys can keep this argument where it belongs by informing individual women of their options and supporting them through difficult times. Get out there and get to work. And by the way, I support you in your endeavors, too.
To my “I don’t/can’t support gay marriage”, “He’s BLACK!”, and “Oh no! Immigrants!” friends and family:
Please, please reconsider your views on these issues.
-Yes, Obama is black. That really doesn’t matter. He’s highly rational, intelligent, and working very hard for our country. Please recognize that.
-Why are you afraid of immigrants? If you are worried they are taking your jobs, please think about what it is that makes you less competitive in the job market. Recognize that the American economy is based on competition – that’s what job applications and the free market itself is all about. If you can’t compete, look at yourself more carefully and do what you need to do to fix that.
-Finally, what is the danger in gay marriage? Please really, really think about it. Does it really affect you personally if this is permitted? Who/what are you defending with this belief, and does that entity really need your defense? If so, why?
To my truly liberal, socialist, and/or environmentalist/conservationist friends and family:
Sorry. Obama is not really the President you want. On the one hand, you can expect further investments in solar and wind energy (because rationally, these investments make sense), but you can also expect US oil production boosts and a continued exploration into other avenues of energy production, including natural gas and nuclear power (because rationally, these investments also make sense). You won’t see significant decreases in military or defense spending, and you can expect more conservative compromises in the future. But you may also see Guantanamo finally close, continued health care reforms and adjustments, and further infrastructure investments.
Kelly”… thanks Kelly for your insight and for taking the time to express yourself-
Franque23(Dad)
Franque23's Blog 
16 comments
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November 7, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Anonymous
A truly well thought out and persuasive point of view. Too bad it is a fantasy. You paint Obama as a mixture of Lincoln, Kennedy and Clinton. I see him more as a combination of Nixon, FDR and Carter, arrogant, elitist and inept. Don’t get me wrong, I will be positively ecstatic if The Anointed One proves me wrong and we all join hands an skip down the yellow brick road to prosperity and personal responsibility. Unfortunately, all I see are an increasingly intrusive federal government, endless new regulations that stifle economic recovery and the loss of any remaining economic security that many of us “older Americans” are clinging to. Oh and massively higher energy costs as the Big O hamstrings and taxes the Coal, Oil and Natural gas industries out of business. Time will prove one of us right. I really hope that it is you.
November 7, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Kelly
Me too, Anonymous! I think I see President Obama as his own person, not really a mix or copy or any of our previous presidents. He is less naive than he was, and I think a lot of his idealism is gone now. Personally, I think his legacy will be, above all, rationalism, which is what I see in many of his decisions so far. For example, when the Congress refused to sign anything until the Bush era tax cuts were increased, completely refusing to compromise, I think he considered the pros and cons of a variety of possible outcomes (long deadlock, demanding compliance, and complying, possibly among others) and strategically chose the best one, although it was personally against his preferences. I see similar planning in his broad-based energy initiatives (some of which alienate his base) and in the use of drones, which, while controversial, undoubtedly alleviate the risk to American lives.
There are a number of perspectives on the new economic and banking regulations, but my personal feeling, having researched and studied the issue extensively last year at UPenn, is that deregulation allowed exploitation of what I will call “money-making loopholes” in the credit systems. If America takes anything from our forefathers, it should be that systems do not regulate themselves and therefore checks and balances are in order, in the financial and marketing systems as well as government. I agree that these checks could become stifling, but I doubt that will happen as the government (the institution providing the checks on the financial and economic industries) has a lot to gain from the strength and continued growth of those systems.
Just some thoughts,
Kelly
November 7, 2012 at 7:32 pm
franque23
Reader Debbie writes : : “Actually it is not a fantasy at all. First of all, it is a letter addressed to family and friends, so if you’re not amongst those, it is irrelevant to you. Secondly, the letter does not paint President Obama as a mixture of anyone. It only addresses the President’s stance on various issues of concern amongst the author’s friends and family. You are right about one thing however. Time will tell.”
November 7, 2012 at 4:07 pm
Kelly
No, thank you guys, for taking the time to read it!
November 7, 2012 at 6:33 pm
Tdog
Sorry but you and all those that voted for the marxist, muslim live in an alternate reality. Be careful what you wish and vote for, you may just get it. When the crap hits the fan I will not support anyone that was complicit in the election of this mobster. http://www.themoralliberal.com/2012/10/03/can-it-all-be-coincidence/
November 7, 2012 at 7:46 pm
franque23
Tdog- I read this article and found it interesting….much like reading about Kennedy’s single bullet, the 27 murdered people as Clinton moved form governor to the white house and much like the demolition specialist who wrote a book about 9/11 being a demolition job and another book that mentions no Jewish bankers who worked in the twin towers went to work that day on 9-11-remember how Kennedy, Joplin, Hendrik’s, the doors singer, Marilyn, Kennedy’ s brother, as well as 3 associated with the presidents killing in Dallas all died in the same time frame of our history???? who did all that? Were they unrelated happenstances??? or not?? President Bush flew all of Osama’s relatives out of the country the day after 9-11 on military jets and then smoked a cigar with an Arab Prince on the white house balcony the night after 9-11…What does it all mean? Politics and the truth about politics is a slippery slope yes? Our lives gain meaning through our closest associations, we all are left to struggle with the rest.
November 7, 2012 at 7:51 pm
franque23
many aspects of our American society are manifestations of Marxism. The so called naming of the middle class, or working class, is one of them, but there is so much more. And, as we have discussed, many programs within our society are socialistic. Just like the various races of people who make up our American population, America’s society is a blend of many different forms of government.
Franque
November 7, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Tdog
My apologies if I seem overtly blunt. The truth is owebomba has increased the national debt by trillions in just a couple of years. His “green” investments have cost the taxpayers of billions. Fast and Furious with Holder complicit and the death of hundreds of Mexicans is not discussed by the media. The deaths of Americans in Benghazi and and cover-up by this administration are disgraceful if not impeachable offenses. Traditional American and true Christian values are scoffed at by the majority those voting for this pitiful excuse of a man. With the possiblity of owebomba nominating 3 Supreme Court Justices in his next term the “fundemental transformation” he spoke of may become the reality of the “utopian feeling” socialists. Under owebomba America is worse off and people re-elect him?
“The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money” – Margaret Thatcher God help us, because owebomba’s reality is still unfolding. “It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains” – Patrick Henry
November 7, 2012 at 8:59 pm
franque23
Tdog- no apologies needed. Each person who wants to should speak their mind and write their point of view…..that’s what this blog is about for me.
Thanks for your interest and expression of your views.
Franque23
November 7, 2012 at 9:19 pm
franque23
Kelly writes in response to john’s comment: “Kelly Shiohira Hello John! I hope I am right as well!
In response to your points, I think I see President Obama as his own person, not really a mix or copy or any of our previous presidents. He is less naive than he was, and I think a lot of his idealism is gone now. Personally, I think his legacy will be, above all, rationalism, which is what I see in many of his decisions so far. For example, when the Congress refused to sign anything until the Bush era tax cuts were increased, completely refusing to compromise, I think he considered the pros and cons of a variety of possible outcomes (long deadlock, demanding compliance, and complying, possibly among others) and strategically chose the best one, although it was personally against his preferences. I see similar planning in his broad-based energy initiatives (some of which alienate his base) and in the use of drones, which, while controversial, undoubtedly alleviate the risk to American lives.
There are a number of perspectives on the new economic and banking regulations, but my personal feeling, having researched and studied the issue extensively last year at UPenn, is that deregulation allowed exploitation of what I will call “money-making loopholes” in the credit systems. If America takes anything from our forefathers, it should be that systems do not regulate themselves and therefore checks and balances are in order, in the financial and marketing systems as well as government. I agree that these checks could become stifling, but I doubt that will happen as the government (the institution providing the checks on the financial and economic industries) has a lot to gain from the strength and continued growth of those systems.
Just some thoughts.”
November 8, 2012 at 2:34 pm
franque23
reader Ken did not support President Obama’s reelection, and he takes these points up on the letter posted above:
“Sorry. Obama is not really the President you want. On the one hand, you can expect further investments in solar and wind energy (because rationally, these investments make sense) Giving millions to your political cronies for flawed ideas??? These were not legitimate concerns.
, but you can also expect US oil production boosts and a continued exploration into other avenues of energy production The Chinese are elated. Why?
, including natural gas and nuclear power (because rationally, these investments also make sense). Innovation in oil will and probably should be put on a back shelf …. monies spent on evil countries intent upon our destruction and decay??
You won’t see significant decreases in military or defense spending, If Kerry is chosen Secretary of State … an elitist who believe only failures and bad students are forced into the military … The South and MIdWest will erupt … but Obama is that naive.
and you can expect more conservative compromises in the future. I haven’t seen a rationale compromise yet. Pelosi and Reid must go. They have been incompetent to the max. Reid hasn’t even gotten one budget presented to the Senate.
But you may also see Guantanamo finally close, Four years, virtually no trials. WTF
continued health care reforms – these have been INSURANCE reforms …. no legal at all …. no more real clinics …. a bloated bureaucracy … nothing innovative has been offered, we are not Finland
and adjustments, show me something of worth … put it on the table … don’t say to me we’ll see what it is when it’s enacted .. that’s nightmare stuff
and further infrastructure investments.
“
November 8, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Jose
TDog
YOu have shown your colors. YOur only argument is to sterotype and to label and to call names, such as marxist etc. I would bet you have never read Marx and you have little or no knowledge of Marx both the person and also the thinker. I had respect for you as a person as you earned it. I thought you to be of another political orientation that is your right, but you now have gone way too far and your colors are one who has shown no respect for those who differ with your opinion and by respect I mean that. I would not be surprised if you were one of those who would use force and violence to get his way and to oppress by force, those who would disagree with you. Yes, you should apologize and I would not be surprised that you could be one of those who would disown his own children if they voted for a person such as Obama. I would not be surprised if you were an abuser of those who are weaker than you and I mean an abuser both mentally and physically. You seem to me to be no different than Stalin, Lennin or HIttler. They all wanted to get their way no matter how and by what means.
It is time you that learned that democracy does not mean that the person you want has to be elected and if not, all those who do not agree with you are like you. Personally, I would appreciate it if you would find a blog that would meet your needs more, that is a blog of Hitler lovers, slave lovers and men who still think that women should only have children and cook. YOu probably would want Obama to be a slave along with all blacks. I know that you were not able to get into Harvard, Yale or any of those schools and probably that is why you hate Obama. HOw dare a black person get into Harvard or Yale.
In spite of all, Obama could disappoint all of us but I hope not. HOwever, if he does disappoint us, he is no different than many other political office holders, who have disappointed us. Of course, to you he is probably the only one who has already disappointed you because he is black and his name is Obama. TDog, get a life. I hope she does not accept your apology.
November 8, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Jose
To Kelly and Gerry,
Please understant that T-Dog is not a rational person. He does not understand that the ballot, even when we really EXTREMELy DISLIKE the results of the ballot, but it determines how and who runs the nation. I had to put up with Pres.lke’s planning of invisions of other countries, as well as that of Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon’s Watergate, etc. and did not call them names because I totally disagreed that invading others when they do not attack you was not right. That is how the system works or does not work, but what is the alternative, to be like TDog.
I think both of you have been so kind to even take your time and reply to him. He is not worth of your friendship.
As for Mr. Anonymous, he probably thinks that if we find out who he is, we might turn him in. THat is a shame, but than from now on, I might do that after reading T-Dog.
Also, T-dog has probably never read the Koran but he seems to know that all Muslims are bad just because they are Muslims. He probably thinks that all Muslims are Arabs and that all Muslims are named Osama and not one Muslim is called SMith or Jones.
THink lots before you decide to take your time to be so nice to people like him.
November 8, 2012 at 5:46 pm
franque23
Hi Jose.
Tdog is a very generous person. The thing is as with many people in America who are centralist, or GOP members he is also emotional, especially when it comes to America and politics. Our generation was raised in school to believe that America stands for the side of the right,….but I’m reminded of a slogan the GOP carried in 2004 “American : Right or Wrong”, this is/was just plain wrong for any American to think correct, or to stand behind, but many right wing voters did, without ever knowing that it is our job to correct our country’s failings, rather than except them…I can write easily about this now, but at the time I thought this slogan an embarrassment, sad, and just plain weird. To this point it is odd how few Americans understand that being ascribed to a class of people like “the working class” or the middle class is basically a Marxist theory of capitalism. Anyway, I am not, as most American’s ,well schooled about much, especially in other forms of leadership other than the one we have been taught in school to march along with. Fear of the unknown and misunderstanding are under riding principles children learn in America. I like to keep the peace, and all sides talking at the table, but this is not to say that I, like yourself, won’t argue at the table for worker’s rights and fairness until I’m blue in the face and 6 feet under.
franque23/Gerry
November 8, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Jose
Gerry,
Please let him explain himself. He is the one who started to call names. Politics is emotional for all those who care about the world or their society. I was educated in the United States so it has nothing to do with the Right or Wrong or Republican or Democrats, in this case it has to do with a person who makes personal attacks and those attacks, calls names as his way of attacking someone because he does not agree with them. T-dog, I would almost bet, never read Karl Marx because it is not something does. I will continue this tomorrow it is almost 1am here in Spain.
November 8, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Tdog
I think it not best to discuss politics on the day a family member is lost. My condolences to Gerry, Dale, and their family.