CNN has asked me to write a message to Obama. This message is one I've been saying aloud to friends and now I have the opportunity to write it. I hope President Obama will read it.

Dear President Obama,

First, let me congratulate you on a spectacular victory! I am a Chicagoan and could not be more thrilled about what your win has done to our city!

More importantly, however, I am thrilled about what you have done to our country and to the world. For many years prior to your candidacy I have been arguing, debating and yelling (well, I don't get that loud) at my fellow Americans that they MUST be more involved in their country; they must get involved, first and foremost, in who their elected leaders will be.

Many times I was greeted with apathy: "It doesn't matter, they are all corrupt," "I don't care, nothing will change," "both parties are basically the same thing." These are just a few justifications I heard from people as to why they weren't going to vote or why they refused to listen to reason when confronted with facts about "their man's" adversary.

Your campaign finally sparked the interested of this country. One could argue that your sucess is due in large part to the failure of the McCain camp or the failure of the Bush years. One could also argue your success is only because the economy turned sour, a "weaker" issue for the Republicans.

Either way you have ignited something in this country I have never seen. As I walk down the street, couples discuss the day's campaign news; co-workers debate who won or made the better arguements during the previous evening's debate; individuals young and old, black and white canvassed and made phone calls on your behalf. This is truly amazing to see--People involved in their government once again!

Please, Mr. President, don't disappoint this country by governing the way we have seen politicians govern over the last 25+ years. Please get the People involved and listen to what they say, take their advice under consideration.

Should you fail to make the "Change" you promised, should you fail to fulfill the "Hope" gave us, an entire generation (mine--I'm 31 years old) will be disenfranchised from the political process.

Mr. President, I wish you sucess and I "hope" for the "change" you helped me to believe in.

Sincerely,

Del Phillips

Chicago, Il