Dear Mr President

Dear Mr President1

Before you pass this off as useless and senseless, I pray that you may just pass your eyes over my messy scrawl and see the message hidden therein. Perhaps I could teach you something new.2

See me not, Mr President, as the young child that I am, for you forget us so easily. See me not as inexperienced in the matters of a country, for I see more than you may know. See me not as unimportant, for I am the future of your country. See me, Mr President, for once, as your equal and listen only to what I have to say.3

I’ve often wondered, why, in the schools that you control, we answer questions about how the bad in this country can be fought. I’ve wondered whether you would even bother with our opinions because we are, after all, the children that you forget so easily, we are only another source of income. 4

Tell me, Mr President, when you drive home at night, do you see the man standing on the corner with his hands outstretched, asking for but a few cents? Do you seem him and turn your head away in disgust, not even thinking that you are the one in charge of giving him a job or do you miss him completely while you sit wrapped up in your own thoughts. I’ve seen him too Mr President, I’ve seen that man. His dirty clothes and blind eyes have become fixed in my mind and by now I’ve stopped telling myself that you would do something about it. 5

Do you know that almost eight hundred people die everyday from HIV/AIDS in our country alone? What does this matter to you? As long as no-one you know dies, you’ll be fine. Did you know, Mr President, that because of AIDS, I live in an orphanage? Did you know that because of AIDS, I will not live long enough to have children? You say you don’t know anyone with AIDS. You’ve just met me. 6

Did you hear about the murder that took place a few nights ago? Don’t worry, I didn’t either, I was too busy reading about the murder before that. Crime is taking over. I’m scared every night that it might be my last, that I might wake up with a gun pointed at my head, that the few years that I had left to live are stolen away from me, along with all my possessions. 7

The honest truth is, I’m scared Mr President. I’m scared to think about what will happen if this carries on. I won’t be here, but I’m scared for my friends, I’m scared for their parents and I’m scared for you. If this carries on I don’t think you are going to cope. You hardly are at the moment. 8

I ask that you see this not as written by a child, but by your equal. Someone who loves this country as much as you do, someone who loves to hear the national anthem being sung, someone who loves seeing our flag flap in the wind. 9

You won’t hear from me again, I won’t be here. Please do me a favour and fix this country. Think of your family, your wife and you children. See me as your equal, I am not a child whom you can forget so easily. After all, you have children of your own.10

Author notes

This is the first draft so I would appreciate any suggestions that could help me make it better. I would just like to say that this story is written about South Africa.

"I long for the sunshine which seems so rare"

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Comments

1 - 11 of 11

  • kitty ROSE
    June 11
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    I was thinking Bush, but South Africa works, too =D


  • mizz-shy-gurl
    February 27

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    This is such a strong story. A lot of issues in South Africa, we have here in Scotland. Life isn't nearly as bad here, but I know what you are talking about.


  • yumesandman
    February 20

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    At first I thought it was about America too, although the bit about HIV/AIDS clued me in (it's a problem, but not often mentioned). I liked though that it could be transferred from country to country though, sort of showing that there are universal problems our governments should be taking care of.

    I think it's great where it stands. It's reasonable but still emotional. Great job!

  • abba12
    February 14
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    i first thought this was about america, from that pink song everyone plays. finding out its from south africa it takes a slightly differant meaning. as an australian myself, i have a differant view on these places

    good work, i hope one day things are improved


  • Kat222
    February 8
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    wow!

    This was really excellent. the president is an idiot lol great job!


  • xBitterxSweetx
    February 4
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    Very impressive. I liked the repitition throughout your letter, it really makes the point stand out. I also like how you concluded with the beginning idea- it makes the letter that much more impressionable. I did notice a few errors but nothing serious. Overall, Great Job!


  • Breathless Ballons
    February 4
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    Wow.. this story was really good! I enjoyed it because it reminded me of a friend who lives in South Africa... anyway... i hope to read more of your work!! keep writing


  • crosscountry07 gold member
    February 4

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    It is really good. But the sad thing is just about every last one of our Presidents is guilty of the same thing. Hardly any of them cared about the poor man with the exception of FDR and Lincoln. Too bad no one today can understand that. Everyone is more concerened with ending the war in Iraq rather than fighting our own wars at home. Great write here, very thought provoking! -Liz


  • Naive.
    February 3

    Edit | Reply

    Loved it!

    I loved this so much! Your message for change was great and inspiring. All I want to do is pretty much praise your story, but you did ask for suggestions, so...

    The only thing that I can really point out would be your repition of the phrase: I ask that you see this not as written by a child, but by your equal.

    I'm all for repition of an idea or a message (especially that one), but I think if you diversified your way of saying that phrase, it would improve your story.

    Also, I would add more irony and wit throughout your story. More lines like this: Did you hear about the murder that took place a few nights ago? Don’t worry, I didn’t either, I was too busy reading about the murder before that.

    But other than that, great job! :]
    -jj

  • Etched
    February 3

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    It is powerful and i enjoyed reading it. I loved some of the things that you added and I feel the same way. Its a storng and powerful message!


  • Elisabeth Greeters member
    February 3

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    This is such powerful statement and I commend you for this. I am more fortunate, I live in Australia, it was becoming a carbon copy of the USA. Hopefully, with a change of government, we will again become Australia.
    I admire the love and spirit you show for your country, I truly hope that you will gain a President you can respect.
    I'll just mention that you have a few typing errors, which I am sure you'll fix quite soon.
    It's just that they distract me from the strong message you are sending.
    It is a very good piece. Congratulations on writing it.

1 - 11 of 11