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01.31.2017 - Kamala Harris

January 31, 2017

Senator Kamala D. Harris

112 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Harris;

     Thank you for being an outspoken advocate for basic human rights throughout your career and for voting against Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education. As a California schoolteacher I’m more than grateful for a voice of reason in the Senate as the President continues to fill his Cabinet with persons antithetical to our democratic values.

     From your time in San Francisco where you worked on behalf of those most marginalized to the statewide “Back on Track” program and your ongoing protection of immigrants, I cannot thank you enough for your public service.

     Since the November election I’ve been following press releases from your office through Facebook and have joined with local groups seeking to stand up for democracy and against the oligarch that has taken over the Oval Office. Your daily statements give heart and encouragement in a time when it is so desperately needed.

     As a teacher I’ve passed along to students our goals of anti-bullying and having all students be “upstanders” when faced with a person who is trying to use fear and intimidation to prey on those less able to defend themselves. Sadly, our current president is the very definition of “bully” and your words and actions of encouragement are important for all of us trying to stand for our Constitution.

     As the very definition of “upstander” we are so proud to have you as one of our California Senators. Thank you for giving voice to what is best in America!

Sincerely,

Scott Forbes

A California Public School Teacher

    

01.23.2017 - Hillary Clinton -

January 23, 2017

Hillary Clinton

Post Office Box 5256

New York, NY 10185-5256

Dear Hillary;

      As I write this “Thank you” I realize that you made us all feel as if you knew us so personally, that you have always represented the people so well, that it doesn’t feel right to address this letter formally.

     THANK YOU so very much for your incredible service to this great country. From political activism, to First Lady, then from senator to Secretary of State, your tireless work on behalf of America is appreciated so deeply that a simple “thank you” really falls short.

     A story I’d like to share is about my thirteen year old daughter and how you’ve helped shape the person she is becoming.  Last Saturday my family was marching through the rain in San Francisco with thousands of people supporting women’s rights and to protect the freedoms which you have spent your career safeguarding.  I was walking next to our young son (Carrying our “I’m STILL with her!” poster) while my wife walked with our daughter who, when we left our warm home that day, wasn’t quite sure what to expect or if she even wanted to be going to downtown San Francisco.  After all, when you’re thirteen there are so many things on your agenda J

     Hours later we were drenched and excited to be part of the march and my daughter had an energy and drive behind her I’ve never, quite, seen before. The next day she was still making posters and she has been writing and reading on the issues about which millions marched on Saturday. 

     Had you not run for President, had you not inspired such loyalty, had you not been the amazing woman you are, my daughter would not – right now – be as inspired and hopeful as she so obviously is.

     We SO wanted you to become our forty-fifth President. But, it is so important that you know, your legacy is HOPE, and activism, and freedom, and the political awakening of a generation of young ladies and men who have grown through your example.

     Thank you Hilary!

01.19.2017 - Meryl Streep -

Ms. Meryl Streep

Creative Artists Agency

2000 Avenue of the Stars

Los Angeles, California 90067

Dear Ms. Streep;

I’m writing to thank you for your brave remarks at the Golden Globes this year as you accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

My wife and I are both teachers and we see, daily, the affect of words from our political leaders. As teachers we have felt the impact in our classroom communities of the election of a person who seems to have no regard for manners or decency. 

    

Hollywood is sometimes criticized for commenting on politics. Yet, Hollywood does not stand outside and apart from our country. Stories and artists shape and define our country and help us build a better society and give voice to those born without privilege or political influence.

We ARE our stories. I thank you for not only bringing stories to life through your art but for taking that position and giving voice to what is right and just.

We’ve certainly enjoyed your movies and art, but – as our family watched the Golden Globe Awards over dinner – we mostly enjoyed the real, genuine, and heartfelt words you put forth that evening.

Thank you,

Scott C. Forbes

California School Teacher

01.06.2017 - A letter from the White House! -

* I'd stopped writing for a bit. But then, this arrived in the mail! Thanks President Obama!!!

11.19.2016 - Senator Dianne Feinstein -

11.19.2016

Senator Dianne Feinstein

United States Senate

331 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Feinstein;

This is simply a note of “Thanks” for your tireless work over the past decades as a public servant in the Bay Area and a US Senator. My wife and I lived in San Francisco during part of your tenure as Mayor and were both very happy when you were elected US Senator.

We’d like to thank you for your tireless work in education, as we are both public school teachers, and for fighting for funding and manageable class sizes.

In addition, your support for the environment – not only in California but nationally – as well as your stand for the humane treatment of all people is both appreciated and an inspiration.

Finally, as we approach a new administration, I would like to thank you in advance for your input and work on the judiciary committee. We, like millions of Americans, feel quite strongly that President Obama was denied the Constitutional right of putting forth a Supreme Court candidate. We all know it will be a struggle to uphold our Democratic values with a majority in both The House and Senate and, now, a President-elect with questionable morals and a voting majority. 

Thank you! You have the support and admiration of millions here in the Golden State.

Sincerely,

Scott Forbes

Public school teacher