Dear President Obama:

As a grassroots supporter of yours since 2008, I want to thank you for your leadership. Not to say that I agree with every decision you have made. But overall, I think that you have done a fantastic job.

I will be touring the White House Monday or Tuesday, but heard that I cannot drop off a physical letter, so this email will have to substitute.

Some thoughts I want to share with you...

*Please continue to support moderate voices inside Iran as well as human rights in that country. To do so is not meddling, in my view.

*Please continue to address predatory lending at the federal level. Draconian interest rates should be banned outright, in my opinion. And the payday/title loan operations should be shut down, nationwide.

*A good health care program is vital. I favor a mix of private/public options. Make sure preexisting conditions are covered, as well as regular physicals. Stop the insurance companies from dropping people who come down with serious illnesses. The fact that they have done so is a travesty of justice.

*Consider forgiveness of student loans, when students who have graduated cannot find good paying jobs and are trapped in impossible debt.

*Stick to your guns on no more torture or abuse of detainees.

*Rethink the continuation of indefinite detention for some detainees. There must be another, more acceptable way to dispose of those (albeit dangerous) cases.

*Don't worry too much about the polls, or the pundits.

*Know that your campaign has inspired countless grassroots efforts around the country to change things for the better for the poor and middle class. We have begun such an effort in Kingstree, SC, where you spoke during the campaign.

I have more thoughts, but won't go on and on. Just know that you and Michelle and your kids are in my thoughts and prayers.


Patrick Frank, freelance writer, advocate for the poor

Assistant Secretary, Democratic Breakfast Club, Kingstree, SC