Description:

Barack Obama, "Change takes time. But change is possible...", Souvenir TLS on Authentic White House Stationery!

2pp, measuring 6" x 9.125", Washington, February 29, 2016. First page on cream official White House stationery with a partial presidential watermark of an eagle at the right edge. A souvenir copy of a letter written by President Obama addressed to teacher Gretchen L. Stewart of New Port Richey, Florida. Boldly signed "B. Obama" in black felt tip pen. In fine condition. Obama signature undoubtedly signed before text added later.

Ms. Stewart wrote a touching letter to Obama, detailing her struggles as a teacher and raising children with special needs, "I'd vote you in again if I could. It's been an honor to be an American while you have been in office. Before you go, please do all you can to improve the state of affairs for American teachers."

Obama's reply, in full, "I was very moved by your letter. I am who I am today only because I was raised by a strong mother who worked hard and sacrificed to make sure I got a good education. So the first thing I'd say is that your boys are very fortunate to have you.

The concerns you shared are ones I read in a lot of letters, and hear from a lot of folks I meet across the country. Here's what I want you to know. Every single thing I do as President is aimed at making sure every child in America has the same opportunities this country gave me. A good education. Caring mentors who kept me on the straight and narrow. Safe places to learn and grow. I couldn't agree more with you that we need to train and support more excellent teachers like you, and pay them what they truly deserve. We've got to do more to keep our kids safe from gun violence. We've got to do more to close the school-to-prison pipeline. We know that boys and young men of color face some of the toughest odds. That's why I created the My Brother's Keeper initiative to make sure that all of our children, no matter their background, have the chance to achieve their dreams.

These aren't challenges we'll solve overnight. But over the past seven years, we've made progress on creating jobs, making sure more Americans have health insurance, getting graduation rates up, and making sure underprivileged schools have better resources like high-speed internet. High school dropout rates are down, and more young people of color are going to college. We've taken action to reduce gun violence and make our communities safer—and I've repeatedly called on Congress to do more. And there's real hope that we can get bipartisan criminal justice reform done this year.

Change takes time. But change is possible. I know how hard it is for so many Americans like you. But Americans like you also fill me with hope. Every day, you give your all to your children, and to your students—never giving up. You're changing lives and making a difference in your community. That's how this country has always moved forward. And I'll keep spending every single day in this office and beyond working to make your life better, and to create a brighter future for your boys and for all of our children. That's a promise."

Gretchen Stewart was a public school teacher and mother of two. When President Obama first took office, he asked his staff to send him ten letters a day that would reflect Americans from every corner of the country with every background. In this way, he saw a diverse spread of the stories, cares, and concerns of the citizens of the country. He’s continued that practice every day and responded and visited the homes and hometowns of letter writers who inspired him.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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