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Obama Pens Hopeful Letter to Daughters

President-elect cites Sasha, Malia as inspiration, encourages them to aim high

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 14, 2009 2:38 PM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama sets out his hopes and dreams for his daughters, and everyone in America, in an open letter in Parade. “I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey,” the president-elect writes of the jarring effects of the campaign trail, which he found necessary to “ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment.”

“In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation,” Obama continues. That includes health care, education, job security, and a secure country. It does not include unjust wars or taking citizenship for granted. “I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.”

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

President-elect Barack Obama and his daughters Malia, 10, center, and Sasha, 7, right. (AP Photo)

Michelle Obama with daughters Malia and Sasha at the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo)

Obama and his daughter Sasha ride bumper cars at the Iowa State Fair. (AP Photo)

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She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. - Barack Obama, on his grandmother

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Obama Pens Hopeful Letter to Daughters