In this unstable, uncertain world, beset by myriad threats and the looming specters of viral pandemics, nuclear war, and economic collapse, the president could stand to lighten up a bit. That’s according to eight-year-old Lily, who has penned a letter to the leader of the free world, recommending “more spunk.”
“Wear a tie-dye shirt and shorts to something important,” Lily commands of POTUS. “Also, say something that will make everyone calm,” she continues.
Lily is 8 years old. Her dad serves in the Air Force. She wrote to @POTUS with some advice. https://t.co/7O19ngIayo pic.twitter.com/PHNYfxijp9
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 12, 2016
While the president was cool to Lily’s suggestions about apparel (“I don’t know how the First Lady or my daughters would feel about me wearing a tie-dye shirt in public,” he wrote), he thanked her for the warm, enthusiastic letter. “Your enthusiasm and drive give me great hope for the future, and I am confident you can achieve your highest aspirations if you put your best effort into everything you do,” he concluded.
Lily’s and the president’s correspondence is reprinted below.
Dear Mr. President,
I think this country needs more spunk. With all the attacks, the Zika virus, and the wars, this country is a very sad place. Please do something fun. Wear a tie-dye shirt and shorts to something important. Go on a water skiing trip in the Caribbean. Take your family to Disney World. Do something fun and out going. Also, please say something that will make everyone calm. You do know know how many politics worries I have.
Congratulations on having served almost eight years as President! I almost forgot to write that. I am your biggest fan, too. My dad is in the Air Force and that inspired me to have my back up job be President. (My dream job is cardiovascular surgeon.) Keep running the country!
Sincerely,
Lily
8 years oldP.S. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
Dear Lily,
Thanks for the fun letter and suggestions. You seem like a great kid, and I can tell you’ve got plenty of spunk to help keep our Nation strong!
While I don’t know how the First Lady or my daughters would feel about me wearing a tie-dye shirt in public, I do know that one of my greatest responsibilities as President is ensuring your generation can thrive — and that includes making sure you can live in safety and reach for boundless opportunity. I know things happening around the world can sometimes be worrisome, but we can make real and lasting progress if young people like you focus on growing and learning and keep speaking out about important challenges our Nation faces. As long as I serve in this Office and beyond, I’ll continue fighting to ensure kids all across our country are limited by nothing but the scope of their imaginations and the size of their dreams.
Again, thank you for the advice — and please tell your dad how grateful I am for his service. Wherever your hard work and talents take you — whether it’s becoming a cardiovascular surgeon, the President of the United States, or chasing a dream you’ve yet to discover — always remember that you have a big role to play in shaping the world and making a difference in people’s lives. Your enthusiasm and drive give me great hope for the future, and I am confident you can achieve your highest aspirations if you put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from you!
Your friend,
Barack Obama
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