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"Donna Zajonc gives us just the roadmap we need to find our way out of the paralysis of polarized politics."

Vick Robbin
Author, Your Money or Your Life

A Letter to President Bush
December, 2004
Donna Zajonc

December 8, 2004

Dear Mr. President,

You don't know me. I, like you, am an American who dearly loves my country. As 2004 draws to a close, and we move into the holiday season, I want to share some of my aspirations and dreams for our democratic process.

I don't think I have to remind you that this was a tumultuous election year. I am grateful to have that behind us, as I assume you are too. As we turn to face the future, what is next for our democracy? What will the New Year and next four years bring?

We are told our country is deeply divided and that we are in the midst of a cultural civil war that might tear us apart. Democracy is challenged both around the world and in our own country.

Therefore, I want to challenge you, Mr. President, to be a leader for more than half the country. If the half of the country that did not vote for you spend all their waking hours opposing you, we will be left with a new president in 2008 that will be opposed by the other half. It doesn't matter which half is in charge if the other half believes their lot in life is to defeat whoever is in charge. What good will that do? We will all be bloodied and bruised and our democracy will surely be diminished.

As our country and world looks to you for answers, I can only imagine the burden you must feel. My prayer is that you reject the notion that you must give us all the answers. Our next great evolutionary leap will come when each citizen is hopeful and inspired to participate in decisions that affect them, irrespective of their party, values, sexuality, ethnicity, or socioeconomic class.

I believe you when you say your presidential legacy is to spread democracy throughout the world. This is a noble and worthy bequest. But Mr. President, what example are we setting for the world, when Americans are so desperately divided? When our public conversation turns from democracy in action, to uncivil power-dominated partisan politics, what are we saying to the rest of the world?

The power of democracy rests within our diversity. I ask you to acknowledge and honor all the voices of America, rather than just those that voted for you. Because, Mr. President, while many citizens voted for a candidate, many, many people voted against the other nominee. The time has come for our county's conversations to shift from who and what we are against, to a vision of what unites us and what we want to create together. And, for that shift to ever occur, we need your leadership to inspire and instill a spirit of reconciliation and hope.

So, I have given thought to some suggestions that will help unite us and begin a new, inspiring and collaborative public conversation.

• Encourage those who are gleeful in your re-election to be compassionate winners and know they too must contribute to American's new era of collaboration.
• Make room for those who are disappointed with your re-election and publicly thank them for the courage and passion of their convictions and persuade them to press on.
• For those that did not vote and remain disenfranchised, be kindhearted. Rather than casting them aside, ask yourself: why do so many Americans remain on the sidelines of democracy and still believe their vote does not make a difference?
• Be leery of those who see opportunity in a divided America. Leaders from both parties as well as the 24/7 media pundits and others adore the malicious public conversation. They believe motivating by fear will maintain their limited audience and keep them in power.

It is our common values that will see us through this transitional time. Refuse to motivate by fear and polarization, Mr. President for it wastes our energy, makes us sick and ineffective and darkens our national soul.

Many citizens are asking: is the best of America behind us? I choose to believe it lies before us. Help keep our Hope alive, Mr. President, for all of us. Blessings to you, during this holiday season, for the wisdom to lead well.

Donna Zajonc

I have room for one or two more coaching clients beginning in January. I turn ordinary citizens into extraordinary public leaders. Call or email me at donna@politicsofhope.com for details.

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Donna Zajonc is a Political Leadership Coach, a former three-term Oregon Legislator and was her party's nominee for Secretary of State. She has also managed several campaigns including a highly visible governor's campaign. Donna challenges her clients to prepare for public office with the same rigor that all professionals seek.