"Dear Mr. President, "I'm writing today on behalf of my two grandsons, Charlie, 5, and Georgie, 3. (They don't know it, but I think they would approve.) Your inauguration is over, your family has moved into the White House, unpacked, and found your way to the kitchen by now, so you might have more down-time to read a letter, not that you'll get much “down-time” in this job...I hope someone told you that. "I have many hopes and dreams for my grandsons, Mr. President. But, I pray that you will, as the days go by, understand and appreciate the urgency of these three: "First, I want my grandchildren safe. I want them to live to an unheard-of old age – not to die because someone thought it was more important not to “offend” a particular group by appearing to over-scrutinize their beliefs and their actions. Or, because someone was deliberately deaf to threats from abroad, in the dangerous hope that these people “don't really mean it” or will change their minds if we just play nicely – as if that hadn't been attempted ad-infinitum in the last 20 years. Or, because we hadn't the strength – of fighting forces, purpose, or will – to defeat these enemies. I want my grandsons protected by a country – and a president – that can perceive a threat without minimizing it, meet a threat without flinching, and destroy a threat without apologizing. Great power, accompanied by great pride, and then seasoned with great kindness. Carry that banner for us, Mr. President. Look at Sasha and Malia...look at your girls. "Second, I want my grandsons growing up in a country that values hard work, initiative, progress, and industry. To be able to follow their dreams wherever they may lead, as you did, without government telling them how far they may go, how much they may earn, or to whom they must give the rewards of their labor. Charity, it's been repeatedly demonstrated, is always greater if it isn't “mandatory.” When one is forced to give to others, it says nothing about one's character; compare that to what is revealed by voluntarily giving from the heart. It is harder to give when no one compels us – and is, thus, infinitely more valuable, infinitely more character-building. This is what I want my grandsons to learn. Some people believe – and will tell you – that if no one is forced to give, then nothing will be given. They are wrong. When Americans suffered the most in this country, they also gave the most. Trust that truth...trust your countrymen. "Third, I don't want my grandsons ever to ask for – or expect – a handout from the government. Our Constitution guarantees a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It does not give us a right to free health care, to own a house, or to impose our problems and mistakes on others. It promises the freedom to get out there, roll our sleeves up, and work our proverbial asses off to take care of ourselves. If Charlie and George ever need a helping hand, I want them to look first at the end of their own arms...then maybe call their grandmother. Although she will try never to be a pushover, she will always be there for them, as will their parents and the rest of their family. This is what family is for, Mr. President. It's not what government is for. "No, not everyone has a family, and not every family can help when help is needed, and this country has done more than any other on earth to help its neediest citizens when necessary. But, it is not the government's responsibility to supply all our needs, or to “create” perfection for anyone. Not only are those in government incapable of deciding “what is best” for us, or what we “need” to make us happy, it is supremely arrogant for government to attempt it. Government is not an “it”, it is an “us”. When government distributes a handout, it must be done with our consent – because it must be done with our money. Government has no money, Mr. President. Don't forget that. You must first ask us, and we should, most often, say no. Because, sadly, be assured: when one believes he's “entitled” to some, he will eventually believe he's “entitled” to all. "JFK said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” I hope your presidency will generate a wave...a swell...a tsunami deep in the soul of this nation, that lifts us to a renewed determination to return the United States to the strong, proud, compassionate but clear-eyed nation it must be. May you be inspired by those who came before you, and inspire those who will follow – and may God guide and bless you...and all of us." by Vicki Wentz (appeared in print January 26, Durham (NC) Herald Sun newspaper; appeared February 1, Las Vegas Review Journal.