Yesterday I wrote a letter to Obama talking about what I would like to see him do in his first 100 days in office. You can write a letter too! And I think you should. In fact, ask your kids if they want to write a letter too – most teenagers will be voting in four years, and starting to take action about politics they care about will be good practice for them.
Here is what I wrote:
Dear President-elect Obama,
Congratulations on your election.
As you set the agenda for your first 100 days, please consider comprehensive, developmental-appropriate sexuality education for children of all ages. I know you believe in this! (Who doesn’t remember that McCain ad…) Now start to take a stand. Make sure that our children know how to keep themselves safe from unwanted pregnancies and STDs, and that they have access to the information and services they need to put that knowledge into action.
Providing education and preventative health care services and access to birth control and condoms is far cheaper, easier, and accessible than treating STDs or supporting unprepared women through pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.
President-elect Obama, right now, and through your first 100 days, you hold immense sway over the American people. Your election is historic, and your ability to bring change is substantial. I have great hope that you will tend to this responsibility closely.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Karen Rayne, Ph.D.
Will it make a difference? Heck if I know. But if I didn’t write anything, I’d know for sure neither Obama nor anyone who works for him would hear what I have to say. After you write, come back and tell us what you said! Or if you don’t want to, then at least tell us here what you would like to say.
