Dear President Obama,

At noon today, you will take the oath of office and become President of the United States.  An entire nation will listen to a speech you will give, which will set the tone for the next four years.  Some of the most remembered speeches of our times have been given after an inauguration.  They lay out bold plans for the coming term, and often times instill hope in those who listen.  It seems that in your Presidency, more than in any other in recent memory, people of all creeds, colors, and backgrounds have foist their hopes and dreams upon you, to change their world for the better, or more accurately, to their liking.

As you are more than likely already coming to realize, this is an impossible task.  Everyone's needs, hopes, wishes, desires and values are different, and no one plan or program can satisfy all.  In fact, in trying to satisfy some, you will make it harder for others to satisfy their needs and desires.  It is for this reason, that I implore you to not simply recite the Oath of Office, merely as a requirement to attain the office you have sought after for so long.  Instead, I would ask that you truly take those words to heart:

"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Of all the tasks that are laid before you on this day President Obama, the only one to which you swear, is to defend the Constitution of the United States of America.  That poor document has survived many tough times in this country, and Lord knows, the President who is leaving office has run rough shot over it, as has our Congress.  On this day, you swear to defend it, and so now is the time to think about how you will treat it.

Our government is one of limited, and enumerated powers.  Ours is one that guarantees to its citizens the right to pursue their needs, and desires, and live their lives according to their own values, by means of their own choosing, and their own effort.  Ours is one that recognizes the rights of the people, not because the government chooses to grant them, but because they are inalienable and cannot be removed or modified on the whim of those in power.  They are not to be treated as a mere inconvenience to a further goal you or others might have.

Remember, not just on this day, but every day of your Presidency, to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution... as it reads today... not simply as you think it should read.  That is your oath, and your duty to the people.

Good luck, and God Bless.