Posted by Maureen Joyce Diner on May 8, 2011:

Dear Dad: As I watch President Obama on 60 Minutes tonight, I am constantly reminded of you and your first Democratic vote for President of the United States since JFK, for President Barack Obama. You cast your vote absentee from your rehabilitation facility, of sound mind. You were right (so was I!). Maybe it's because you and he are both: brilliant; intuitive; intellectual; rational; left handed; self-assured and many other traits that are common among you as leaders. But you were not brave or provocative in your vote, you made it with the same thoughtful, insightful and fair agility you weighed any major decision in your life. If only you were here to shake some sense into so many who followed your excellent judgement. What a time we are living in. Since you passed, Dad, as you probably are aware, the political landscape of right and left in America has widened to such a crisis level of hate and vitriol I always wonder how the conversation would be with you during these crazy times. No doubt, you would have wise and practical analysis of both parties, and no doubt you would have no difficulty expressing support for this first black American president and for the even-handed, smart way he is managing this office --America's office -- in the face of so much insanity. So many of your earthly pals seek petty ways to discredit this man and blatantly try and make illigitimate this Presidency. This hurts all Americans. Why is that, Dad? Because of his race? Or his name? Madness. Thank you for being the father you were and are, you live through all of those you touched daily. I hope that the many men and women who admired you throughout your courageous career in the military may read this and, if they haven't already, think with open heart toward how our country is split over the simple result of President Obama winning the last election. Obama is us, the latest symbol of our continuing and always welcome, evolving Melting Pot that is America. As it is Mother's Day, to you and Ginnie our family will be eternally grateful for the impressions made upon my husband and I to be successful and loving parents, and for the living beings that are your loving grandchildren, Ethan and Elliott -- when we visit you at Arlington the boys are not sad. It is always a happy visit, just as you wished for us when you used to show off your future memorial. Finally, Dad: Thank You. All my love, Your Lucky Daugher: Maureen

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