This is the latest post in our "Asked and Answered" series, in which we periodically feature an exchange between the President and an American who wrote him. Check back soon for more — and if you'd like to write the President yourself, you can do so here.
Every day, the White House receives thousands of letters and emails from Americans across the country. I work in the Office of Presidential Correspondence, and our job is to sort and read through all of those messages, and make sure they get to the right people for responses. Sometimes, letters to the President are shared with his Senior Advisors, either by the President or directly from our office.
In the spirit of Earth Day, we've been reviewing and sharing letters from Americans speaking out about climate change and the importance of preserving our nation's beautiful natural places, and we came across Josie's note from May 2013. While a student at Globe University in Wisconsin, Josie wrote us about the importance of preserving and protecting the Florida Everglades, where she and her family would often vacation when she was a child. That's something the President agrees with wholeheartedly, which is exactly why he headed to this very region this week to take a tour and deliver remarks.
So Senior Advisor to the President Brian Deese, whose duties include overseeing climate, conservation, and energy policy, decided to send an additional reply to Josie. He let Josie know that we agree with her, and shared some of the actions the President has taken in the areas of conservation and preservation since Josie wrote us.
Here's the original letter Josie sent — give it a read, and if you've got a place of your own that you're fighting to preserve, share it with us here.
Select to read a transcription of the letter:
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing you in concern towards the preservation as well as protection of our national Everglades located in Florida. As a small child my family and I would often vacation in Florida, and I have fond memories that entail learning about alligators or the unique qualities the Everglades offer our precious eco system.
I strongly feel it is this country's duty to honor and protect this special geographical gift. The Everglades provide a necessary water source for an abundant number of citizens living within Florida's state border. Among these citizens about seven million of them depend upon the water obtained through the Everglades (Everglades Foundation 2013).
This precious slow moving river system is home to more than fifty endangered species and is the only habitat in the world where alligators and crocodiles live together in peace. Many unique birds and plant life rely on the Everglades for nourishment as well. Just like living in the United States of America is a privilege, many of these wild species have the honor of calling the Everglades "home".
It is my dream to help restore and save America's Everglades. I want my future children to witness this majestic area. However, if we as American citizens do not advocate to preserve this highly needed ecosystem, this dream could be swept away rapidly. By supporting and lending funds to the Ever Glades Foundation, many citizens can be informed and educated about this urgent issue that must be addressed. Please help this organization, myself, and America's future youth preserve one of our nations most beautiful landscapes.
Sincerely,
Josephine A. Dechant
Select to read a transcription of the letter:
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing you in concern towards the preservation as well as protection of our national Everglades located in Florida. As a small child my family and I would often vacation in Florida, and I have fond memories that entail learning about alligators or the unique qualities the Everglades offer our precious eco system.
I strongly feel it is this country's duty to honor and protect this special geographical gift. The Everglades provide a necessary water source for an abundant number of citizens living within Florida's state border. Among these citizens about seven million of them depend upon the water obtained through the Everglades (Everglades Foundation 2013).
This precious slow moving river system is home to more than fifty endangered species and is the only habitat in the world where alligators and crocodiles live together in peace. Many unique birds and plant life rely on the Everglades for nourishment as well. Just like living in the United States of America is a privilege, many of these wild species have the honor of calling the Everglades "home".
It is my dream to help restore and save America's Everglades. I want my future children to witness this majestic area. However, if we as American citizens do not advocate to preserve this highly needed ecosystem, this dream could be swept away rapidly. By supporting and lending funds to the Ever Glades Foundation, many citizens can be informed and educated about this urgent issue that must be addressed. Please help this organization, myself, and America's future youth preserve one of our nations most beautiful landscapes.
Sincerely,
Josephine A. Dechant
Here's the response Brian wrote to her:
Read more ...
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