To: Barack Obama, Illinois state senator; candidate for US Senate

Mr. Obama,

Thank goodness there are optimistic, ableminded people like yourself running for public office, and I wish you well in your campaign, and in many campaigns of increasing importance, to come.

However, one thing you said in your speech today at the Democratic convention bothered me, and I wonder if you might consider my reasons for objecting. You said that people could attain achievements such as yours, and your parents', only in America. This is an often-used formula in political speeches, in the United States, but it really is not true, and I hope you'll consider putting your point in another way. It is not true because your accomplishments could equally well be achieved – probably more readily – in, say, Australia (where I was raised), New Zealand, the Scandinavian countries, some South American countries (cf. Fujimoro), most of the Pacific Islands... and in many more countries. If anything, you might make the point that it is a pity that people don't have the same opportunities in America as they do in so many other countries of the world. That point might not have quite the patriotic zing of the prevailing political trope, but it would be true, and honestly said.

This is, of course, a quibble with what was an inspiring speech, but I trust that you will agree that in a political career that has begun as auspiciously as yours, it would be worth getting even the small points right.

Sincerely,