Dear Former President Bush,

When I was 11 years old, you were elected. I didn't understand things much back then, but I understood that my parents were upset that Gore lost. I was in middle school when 9/11 happened. I did not even know what a World Trade Center was.

I saw you on the television, and I thought, "Maybe it will be okay." The next few years diminished my hope as we went into Iraq. My parents were upset about that too. I became more and more politically aware during this time. At first, it was so I could understand when my parents started talking about the war and gas prices and other things your administration was involved in.

When Kerry ran against you, I was too young to vote, but I had a broader understanding of the issues. I knew what they were all talking about, and this led me to dispair when he ultimately lost. I was upset for weeks. I felt as if real discussions were stamped out and totally replaced with mudslinging. I felt like the American Dream was failing, and everyone was to blame.

The wars escalated as more and more cracks appeared in your administration. People who worked for you and your party were put on trial, or wrote a book about you. It looked like corruption had invaded every single level of government.

When the Democratic Primaries came around, I voted for Barack Obama, against my parents' judgment. I voted for him again for President, over McCain, who I always admired. And today, exactly 15 hours from when I am writing this, I watched him take the oath of office.

I honestly cannot believe your presidency is over. I cannot concieve of a world where I actually voted for the candidate who won. But I must say, without you, your friends and those who made up your administration, I would not be who I am today.

Growing up under your watch, in a liberal household, in a conservative town, I feel I am a moderate and balanced human being. The last eight years have defined me, and I want to thank you.

As you ride off into the sunset, you must be worried about your legacy. Any sane man should. I want to tell you one thing though: I forgive you.

I tried, seeing you leave, to hate you, to remember why my parents were so upset when you won your elections. I tried, and failed. I cannot hate you Mr Bush. You are, like me, an American who loves his country and tried to do right by it. I disagree with you on almost every single issue, but I cannot hate you.

I pray that God assuages you of grief and guilt, that he turnes aside your doubt about your presidency, and turns it to make your faith stronger. And I pray that you live in peace and love and know no fear nor hatred, nor want of any kind. Know that, despite everything I've said, that in my heart, and in my mind, in a strangely symbolic way, you are my President.

Your Friend,
David