Amy is Great for 2008

Back in 1985 I thought I would grow up and become President of the United States. Yes, I really did.

I wrote letters to President Reagan asking how I could prepare and I even launched a full campaign in my junior high, complete with posters, buttons and catchy slogans. (The most-used slogan is above.)The principal even wore my button for at least one day. I signed my name with an ‘FP’ at the end, to stand for Future President.

I took a few preparatory steps along the way. I even got to participate in an internship program to Washington, DC while in high school.

2008 was to be my year because that would be the first year I would be eligible age-wise.

I have been looking toward this election for more than 20 years.

I can happily say that it is now 2008 and I am no longer running for President. (Although I’ll admit it was a tiny bit tempting when I early voted last week to write in my name. But I didn’t want my vote to go wasted.)

Here’s my point: I lost this election. I will not be President. And it is possible that the candidate I am backing will not win the election, either.

Regardless of my feelings, it is my responsibility to put my opinion aside at the end of the day Tuesday when (hopefully) the election will be determined and our country will prepare for the new President.

At that point it is my responsibility as an American to do whatever I can do to support this man in leading our country. Whomever it turns out to be, he will be the leader of the United States of America. It will not be appropriate to criticize, tear down, mock and complain about him. He will be the people’s choice. And he will be my country’s leader.

So I ask today not for your vote, but your support for our country.

After you vote, put your opinion to rest. And get ready to support our country and its leaders, no matter who wins.

I’ve had enough with the negativism and insulting of our leaders. It’s time to return to an age of respect for authority.

So get it all out Tuesday. Campaign if you’d like. Campaign as hard and as loud as you would like. And then, put it all aside and work toward a better America where we respect our leaders and stop mocking them. It starts with YOU.

(Little and big ears and eyes are watching and listening.)

And please, I’d love to hear your comments. But no negative campaigning here.