Dear President Obama:

First of all, I am a big supporter.  In 50 years on Earth, you are the first political candidate I campaigned for and contributed money to. During the campaign, you surprised me several times, But after the first couple of times, I learned to ignore the chatter in the blogs and cable news and the fear and loathing in Washington; you soon had them waxing eloquently about your latest triumph.  I have not always agreed with you, but I did not expect to nor require that, and my support did not waver. And besides, your political calculus was far ahead of mine and all the pundits. I learned to trust that calculus along with confidence in your judgement of the facts of a particular issue facing our nation. But on one subject, I must admit lingering discomfort; the reticence to investigate and prosecute crimes, if any, committed by the previous administration.

Recently, for the first time, I have been in Washington for an extended period of time.  I have wandered the National Mall, stood at Lincoln's feet and read the inscriptions, Lincoln's own words,  in stone, much as I imagine you have.  Past the Vietnam and World War II memorials to our soldiers, past the Washington Memorial and the adult kickball teams, to the steps of the Capital. Many days I have walked past the White House with the smell of cherry blossoms in the air, stirring memories from childhood, spring and future promise, a sense I get from looking at the White House now.

And along the street named after our Constitution the words "The United States of America" are everywhere.  But if those are to be more than words printed on metal and carved in stone, our words, our laws must have meaning and equal enforcement for all. No partisan persecution, just the same crime and punishment any citizen faces. Whether FISA or torture or Wall Street, or corporate lobbyists, we cannot look away any longer. For if we look away, we lose our laws and we lose our country. You said words are important. words do have meaning. Words are all we have. Our laws are words - our constitution is words;.  They have to be true words.

Surprise me again, Mr. President. Keep the promise in the air.

Respectfully,

WW