An open letter to President Obama

October 22, 2009
Dear Mr. President,
I feel compelled to write to you concerning the statements made by you as well as some members of your staff regarding FOX News. It offends me that my fellow Americans would insult my intelligence, as well as many others, by insinuating that we cannot tell the difference between straight news and commentary. In fact, we are quite experienced in this matter as we have had to look past the liberal bias of several other cable news networks for many years. I am shocked that you would allow and participate in this scurrilous attack on free speech. It seems to me that when you spoke of hope and change during the election, the emphasis was on transparency in government, disentangling the government from big business, and promoting equality.
Since you have taken office, legislation has become more confusing, more divisive, and less accessible to the public. The voice of the people is ridiculed when they disagree and make their concerns public. What happened to the promise of public access to bills before they are signed?
Additionally, you discussed the dangers of big business being involved in government. Does the reverse not apply? I thought that the founders of this nation laid out the structure of our government to limit their own power and keep the power in the hands of the people.
Finally, and perhaps my most heartfelt point, I am beginning to believe that we have very different ideas on the concept of equality. You see, I thought that you were referring to something like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of being judged by the content of one’s character. Instead, you seem to follow the more Orwellian principle of some being more equal than others. This brings me back to my original point. Simply because you disagree with the reporting or commentary of a group does not authorize you to attempt to relegate it to a nonentity. You are certainly not the first president to feel pressure from the press and you won’t be the last, I’m sure.
Please don’t be the man who allows shallow, insecure compatriots to influence you in a manner that would restrict the god-given rights of the people to free speech. Please believe in the intelligence of the American people to discern for ourselves whether we watch commentators who toe the liberal or conservative line, or both for that matter. When one champions hope and
change, one must make sure they do not lead down dangerous paths. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Monique Fullmer

Also being sent to President Obama, directly.