An Open Letter to President Elect Obama

Dear Barack,

I feel comfortable calling you Barack because we have had so much contact via email and text message the past few months. You and I are on a first name basis. I know this because you call me Rick in all of our correspondence. Plus, you are not president yet, so we can communicate without the filter.

Now I am sure you are getting many such open letters right now. People are offering advice, prayers, etc. I stand in agreement with the prayers and support. I will also criticize you periodically. However, at this time, I want to offer you some advice.

You stated in front of the world that you would bring a dog into the White House. As an animal lover, I affirm this choice and fully support it. I also understand that, due to Malia's allergies, you must be careful. We have the same issue in our house.

However, as a self described defender of the least of these, one that looks beyond skin color, one that cares about the environment and justice and stands against elitism, I ask one request.

Get a mutt. Go to the pound or a shelter and find a non-pure breed. They are better, smarter, live longer and need the bully pulpit. If you doubt their superiority, check mine out. His name is Marley. He is 9 years old. He beats any purebred.

Respectfully yours,

Rick