What I Want for You - and Every Child in America

"Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. 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.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And 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.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

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. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love,
Dad"

Source: http://www.parade.com/news/2009/01/barack-obama-letter-to-my-daughters.html

Volunteer Recognition - Can't Purchase This SIGNED Item In Stores

Are you looking for a unique way to recognize your volunteers?

Consider purchasing the

Barack Obama Inauguration Waterford Crystal Paperweight.

Available in dome (as pictured).

This item is not available on the Waterford website. Only a limited number of this item are being produced and have been shipped directly from Ireland.

This item is signed by Jim O'Leary, Waterford Design Director.

Jim began his four-decade career at Waterford Crystal as a cutter and rapidly attained Master Craftsman status. After a five-year stint in the Design Studio, he ascended to his current position as its director. Jim retains the skilled craftsman's dedication to the crystal arts, from blowing and cutting to sculpting and polishing.

Only a limited number of signed items are available.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.

For additional information, including pricing, please email neighborshelpingneighbors@live.com

What a great way to recognize your volunteers...

and have a piece of history!!!

As Predicted Only A Limited Number of People Will Fit Along The Parade Route

Millions of people are expected to be in downtown Washington DC to watch inauguration.

However, some may not be able to get past the security checkpoints, due to the limited number of people that can fit in the space.

"Washington Post reported that the parade route has a capacity of 280,000 to 300,000 people, and that once that number is reached, checkpoints will be closed and no one else can enter the area around the parade route."

It appears that the millions estimated to show up, might want to also consider alternatives, if they are unable to view the parade around the National Mall.

Do not to push people to make your way through the crowd.

The last thing we need is a stampede and riots.

And remember that "The purpose of this inauguration is to honor the incoming president with formal ceremonies".

For additional details, here is a local news report:

Officials May Turn Away People From Parade Route

Could this be the official start of Inauguration Week?

Hopefully this is not the unofficial opening for Inauguration Week.

Lesson learned, plan for large traffic delays,

as how even just one car can cause an impact and delays.

Suspicious Car Shuts Down Connecticut Avenue

Metro station closed.

Road closed.

Traffic backed up.

Michelle Obama Reaches Out To Neighbors Helping Neighbors Readers

Neighbors Helping Neighbors,

One week from today, on January 19th, Barack and I will join thousands of people all across the country for an extraordinary day of service.

I recorded a short video to tell you more about this important effort. Please take a minute to watch it and sign up to host or attend a service event near you.

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are committing to renew America together, one community at a time.

Whatever service activity you organize or take part in -- cleaning up a park, giving blood, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or mentoring an at-risk youth -- you can help start this important journey. But this is about more than just a single day of service, it's the beginning of ongoing commitment to your community.

Monday, January 19th, is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King taught us to live a life of service, and he led by example. He once said:

"If you want to be important -- wonderful. If you want to be recognized -- wonderful. If you want to be great -- wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness."

Barack and I will be volunteering in Washington, D.C., our new home. I hope you'll join us by taking part in this national call to service in your community:

http://www.USAservice.org/calltoservice

It will take ordinary citizens working together with a common purpose to get this country back on track. This national day of service is an important first step in our continuing commitment.

Now is the time to remind all Americans what ordinary people can accomplish when we stand together.

Thank you,

Michelle

P.S. -- If you are already planning to be in Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration, text SERVE to 56333 to receive information about service opportunities in the nation's capital. Or you can learn more here:

http://www.pic2009.org/page/m2/14907fd6/57895898/2aaf8eaf/607ee096/1855764089/VEsC/

Asking is your employer ready? Is the government ready may be a better question?

"DC Councilman Finds Flaws in Inaugural Rehearsal

One DC city official is saying Sunday's inauguration rehearsal didn't go so well.

Councilmember Jim Graham told FOX 5 that were was some confusion when it came the practice session today. Graham says that the confusion appeared to be between local and federal governments when it came to road closures.

Graham says this was just a part of a major problem he foresees on Inauguration Day.

Even as a city leader, Graham says he remains confused over road, bridge, and neighborhood closures throughout the District. He says he's invited one hundred friends to his office at the Wilson Building to watch the parade, but he hasn't been able to tell them how to get there with the security measures in place.

Graham says there is only so much he can do because the federal government is calling the shots. Graham hopes to meet with several agencies this to iron out details that at this point he finds confusing. "

Source: MyFoxDC.com http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=DD9D574911216A361C76723AF610097B?contentId=8232263&version=5&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1

The Clock Is Ticking - Is Your Employer Ready For Inauguration?

In the event of a situation during inauguration week or any major emergency, would your business be ready?

Be Informed.
Do you know what kind of emergencies might affect your company?

Do you know what you will do in an emergency situation?

Develop a Business Continuity Plan.
Do you know which staff, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep operating?

Do you have back-up plans for those operations?

Do you know what you will do if your building or plant is not accessible?

Do you know what you will do if your suppliers are impacted by a disaster?

Are you ready for utility disruptions?

Prepare your Emergency Plan.
Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan?
Do you have a plan to communicate with employees before, during and after an incident?

Do you have copies of building and site maps with utilities and emergency routes marked?

Are your employees trained for medical emergencies?

Practice the Emergency Plan.
Have you practiced your plan recently?
Do you practice and coordinate with other businesses in your building or industrial complex?

Have you reviewed your plans in the last 12 months?

Review Insurance Coverage.
Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster?

Secure Your Facility and Equipment.
Have you secured all the ways people, products and supplies get into your building?
Have you conducted a room-by-room walk through to determine what can be strapped down?

Improve Cyber Security.
Do you regularly install patches to your software? Have you installed a firewall on your computer?

Do you regularly update your antivirus software?

Promote Family and Individual Preparedness.
Do you encourage employees to have a personal emergency supply kit and a family communication plan?

If you answered "No" to any of these questions, visit http://www.ready.gov/business/index.html and learn how to better prepare your business.