CNN iReport

September 16, 2009

Dear President Obama,

I am writing this letter to apologize to you. At this moment, I am truly ashamed to be an American. I did not vote for you and frankly, I had reservations as to whether you possessed the requisite skills necessary to be our commander in chief. That being said, regardless of what I felt, or feel, you are now my President. I am 55 years old, and perhaps my ideas are outdated, but I was taught that our President did not have to earn, but, without question, commanded our respect, because he was elected by the people to be our President. For our lack of respect, which you are not merely owed but which you have earned, I apologize

The continuous dissemination of information, where first announced is gospel, whether accurate or not, has effectively splintered this nation, virtually making your job impossible. America is in dire straits, and let us not forget that you did not create our nation’s grave situation, you inherited it. Given the myriad of crisis on your plate, it is incomprehensible to me that at this very moment every channel is discussing the fact that you are a black President and that America’s racism is impacting your ability to resolve our problems. I am embarrassed that anyone with a pulse would even admit that such a de minimis, ignorant portion of our population exists, no less that it has an impact on the presidency.

During the last 50 years, many of our leaders have exhibited behavior, which did not comport with the level of morality expected of those in positions of power. Comparatively, your moral compass has stayed its course, of which we should be proud. But instead of applauding you, our nation is focused on the non-issue of racism. I sincerely apologize Mr. President for the small but highly publicized group of hatemonger’s touting this issue as well as for those who have deemed it newsworthy.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of Americans who respect you and see you only as their President, those who have knowledge of and are concerned with the real issues facing America will never be seen on the evening news, for that as well, Mr. President, I apologize.

Sincerely,

Carol R. Menke