Caleb's Letter to the President

Caleb recently felt compelled to write a letter to the President of the United States. A friend had written one and received a reply, complete with an 8x10 glossy photo of George and Laura. He was naturally envious. I mean, who wouldn't want that photo hanging in their foyer? So, we sat down at the computer and he dictated the following letter:


Dear President Bush,

"My name is Caleb Michael Howerton. I go to school and I’m in Kindergarten. My teacher’s name is Mrs. Underwood. I go to Cottage Lake Elementary.

Please don’t have any more wars because it makes me sad because it makes people die. My Grandpa used to be a soldier a lot of years ago and I’m glad he didn’t die because I wasn’t born yet. I think you should be nice to everyone and be a good man.

I really like Presidents. I have a picture for you. It’s a picture with grass in it and flowers…..I don’t want to ruin the surprise for you….but, it has a sun and hummingbirds.

I really like you. And, I like when you don’t have war. I live really far away from you. So if I come visit you, I would have to take a long trip on an airplane. I live in East Washington in Woodinville. My dad’s at work tonight but my mom is typing this on our computer. I am helping her press the buttons.

I like my house because it’s a really comfy house. I really like my dad and my mom. I have a rabbit.

Thank you for being my President because I really like the name George Bush. I wish I could have your name. Your garden at the White House is a very pretty pretty garden.

Thank you,

Caleb Howerton
Age 5 1/2 "


Ah, the wisdom and innocence of a Kindergartner.

Caleb did receive a reply, albeit the standard reply given to "young Americans," and has his glossy photo of the first couple stashed in his desk. My favorite part of this process is that Caleb really believes all war, in every country, will end because of his letter. When we received the packet from the White House, he said, "Mama, now we don't need soldiers because I told him war was yucky!" He is just unflappable, eternally hopeful, and so certain that his voice makes a difference.