An insightful new book by Washington Post journalist Eli Saslow highlights several instances where President Obama personally intervened to assist struggling Americans whose letters reached him as part of his daily routine of reading ten letters from citizens. On occasion, Obama revealed that he had written personal checks or made phone calls on behalf of the letter writers, believing this was the most effective way to achieve prompt assistance. “It’s not something I should advertise, but it has happened,” he shared with Saslow.
In many other cases, he forwarded letters to relevant government agencies or Cabinet members, often including a handwritten note that stated: “Can you please take care of this?” Reflecting on the impact of these letters, Obama remarked, “Some of these letters you read and you say, ‘Gosh, I really want to help this person.’”
Life places us in positions, let’s learn to spread kindness while there.