By Malik Neal, For The Bulletin

Published: Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Dear Twins,

As you know, your Big Bro was a supporter of John McCain, or as you called him during the debates “the old guy.” I supported him because I believed his policies were the best for our country. I was inspired by his life story of serving a cause greater than himself; a lesson I hope and pray you will cherish one day. Obviously my candidate did not win, but in a way we all won. With the election of Barack Obama, America’s first African-American president, one phrase comes to mind… “What a country!” I’ve tried to explain the significance of this election to both of you, but sometimes I forget that you are only 8 years old. I am writing this letter so that one day you may understand its true significance. This was more than just another political campaign on which your brother participated, but the climax of a journey that has been traveled for a very long time.

You see, America was founded on a fundamental principle; the principle of freedom. The colonists declared independence from the tyrannical British empire because they were not awarded that basic right. In the Declaration of Independence, signed here in Philadelphia, the founders stated “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, “men” did not include blacks or women at that time. Indeed, blacks were sold into slavery and were counted as three-fifths of a person. Slavery was a glaring example of human indignity and oppression that contradicted the Declaration’s promise of freedom and liberty. I soon discovered the key word in the above quote is not “Happiness,” but “Pursuit.” America was never supposed to truly achieve happiness or perfection. Rather we were to pursue it and strive for it. In a way, our nation is in a constant struggle. Through this “struggle,” ordinary individuals have helped make our country “a more perfect union.” But the task hasn’t been easy. It took the pragmatism and charismatic nature of President Abraham Lincoln to end slavery in this country through many obstacles including the Civil War. It took the devotion of the abolitionists, like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, to push for inclusiveness despite being denied those God-given rights of freedom outlined in our country’s founding documents. It took the courage and dedication of Martin Luther King Jr. and many members of the Civil Rights movement to fight for principles ensuring all were included in “We the People” despite suffering the scorn and hatred of others. During the midst of this movement, Dr. King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

You see, both of you must constantly seek the motivation and drive to stand behind a belief no matter how lonely the road may be, and to possess the fortitude to defend those views even in the face of adversity. Reflecting upon Dr. King’s example, you can see that ability without courage is not very fruitful. When you witness this historic inaugural ceremony of Barack Obama, you will do so with millions of Americans from all different ethnic and cultural backgrounds for a common purpose. Mr. Obama decided to focus on what united us and not what divided us. He ran a campaign built on optimism tapping into America’s greatest strength, her people. And although I am still skeptical of some of the changes he promises to bring, he will be my president and we must do everything to make sure he is successful. That will include respectful critique. I understand you both are young now, but I hope one day you will reflect on this letter and know this election was as much about you as anyone else. The good news is America still has more room for improving, and you have a role in moving her closer and closer to perfection. History is so fascinating and intriguing when you are living and experiencing it in the present.

Love Always,

Your Big Bro

Malik Neal is a Senior at West Catholic High School and finalist in the 2008 “Now Debate This” history/debate competition. He is also former Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Teenage Republicans.