Dear President Obama

Dear President Obama,


Tonight you are in Copenhagen where over 100 national leaders and influential members of 193 countries have come together to forge an agreement on what has to be done about accelerating global warming. And what’s fair to whom. I know you didn’t want to go, but there you are, as you were meant to be, in this historic moment in time. And I’m so glad. No matter what happens on Friday, you showed up, and that’s important to the whole world. Not just six billion people, but all the creatures of the ocean, and those that live in the wetlands, the rivers and streams. And all the creatures on land, not just the polar bears. What’s at stake here? Absolutely everything. Our children and grandchildren, their future. The holy aspen trees. The ancient redwoods. The right whale. The wild salmon. The coral reefs. The wolves. The lions and tigers. The panda. The great ape. The food we eat, the air we breathe. Because, as you know, every living form on planet Earth depends on water. And everything is intricately bonded to everything else. Forever.

What’s decided tomorrow, or not decided, which document is signed or not signed does not matter as much as the gathering itself of so many nations, such an outpouring of public concern, so much awareness of a global problem and a hunger to do something about it. As soon as possible! The intentions, the goodwill, even the marches and riots in the streets, the willingness to go to jail or just sit down and talk, to air gripes, to freely differ is what democracy is all about.

My dear President, I know you are tired and there’s so much to be done. But I believe you are up to the task. That’s why I voted for you. I believe in your strength and in the deep wisdom of your heart. Please follow your intuitive wisdom and nothing can lead you astray.

Whatever the outcome, my blessings on your efforts. You give me hope that we can turn this around, that by working together we can change our hearts and minds and honor our connection to all other living things.

Yes we can!

Phaedra in New Mexico