Obama encourages girl in fight against bullying

[babylonsister]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/07/23/student.letter.obama/

Obama encourages girl in fight against bullying
By the CNN Wire Staff
July 23, 2010 12:21 p.m. EDT

snip//

"They would torment me. They would take my lunch and call me names and talk about my family members. ... They talked about my clothes and how I look," she said.

In his reply, Obama said he was glad she wrote to share her story. "Your letter demonstrates a desire to change the culture of your classroom as well as your community.

"Bullying, whether in person or online ... is never OK. All of us must recognize that our shared experience and our unique differences are what make this nation so special," the letter reads.

"You deserve a safe and enjoyable classroom and together we will strive to make it a reality."

When she discovered the letter in her mailbox, Stokes was "excited, and I was happy, and I wanted to cry."

The president's letter inspired her to start an anti-bullying club at her school, she said, and she wants to found an organization called No Kids Should Be Bullied.

"I would like to thank him for writing me back," she said, adding that things have gotten much better with the bullies at school.

"They're just really trying to be my friend," she said.

And as for her future, Stokes has that figured out, too.

"I'm becoming a writer ... or the president of the United States."

[JustAnotherGen]

1. What a great thing to read on a Sunday morning!

:-) The world needs a lot more people like this young lady!

[jaxx]

2. That's just great, she's a spunky girl.

And then started the anti-bullying club! Sounds like that is working.

"Bullying, whether in person or online ... is never OK". No, it isn't.

[Sheepshank]

3. Bullies

are the bane of the existance of so many decent people and children. It carves a deep painful scar. Gawd how I wish bullyin was taken more seriously. Good for this little girl to try to heal in such a positive manner.

[State the Obvious]

4. If ALL elementary schools start "anti-bullying" programs....it would make a BIG difference.

Teach them while they are still young. :pals:

[lunatica]

5. This is a very bright young lady

I bet she becomes a life-long activist for the underdog, the downtrodden and the forgotten

[dana_b]

6. k&r

good for her! very inspirational and I'm glad the President saw that.

[Enrique]

7. this shows how Obama doesn't understand America

bullying is the American way. :patriot: