An Opportunity For Leadership

by Andy Haaf

Dear President-elect Obama,

Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush (D) has presented you a tremendous opportunity to lead. You spoke very elegantly in your speech on race. And while millions of Americans were inspired, unfortunately your message of hope and change apparently ricocheted off the forehead of one of your Democrat colleagues, Bobby Rush.

To quote your own words:

"This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign - to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for our children and our grandchildren."

But here we are today. In your nation. In your state. With a member of your own party, quoted at the press conference saying:

"I would ask you to not hang or lynch the appointee as you try to castigate the appointer."

Mr. President-elect, is this the type of behavior you envisioned? Is this the type of behavior that will unite our cultures and our communities? And, is this the type of behavior which should go unpunished?

Mr. President-elect, if you are a man of your word. And millions of Americans who voted for you believe you are, then I expect you to ask for the resignation of Congressman Bobby Rush (D) immediately. For that would be consistent with your speech on race and unifying message of hope and change, would it not?

Best regards,

Andy Haaf