Oh-bama! 7-year-old Destin girl gets reply after writing president (with LETTER)

Earlier this year, millions of Democrats beamed with pride as President Barack Obama entered the White House. One Destin second-grader sealed her delight in an envelope and dropped it in the mail — just in time for Inauguration Day.

On April 25, Aja Bell got a reply.

“She had a great interest in the election,” said Marcelle VanVleck, Aja’s father’s girlfriend.

Tough questions swirled around the minds of millions during the presidential debates in November, and Aja was no exception.

The articulate 7-year-old, daughter of Chef Andi Bell and Destin resident Kelly Bell, was intrigued by the suits on television sharing their vision for America’s future.

“Normally, I just asked questions all through the show,” she said.

During the election process, Destin Elementary School held its version of the polls in a learning activity called “I Vote Too.” The students “elected” John McCain, just as the students at Destin Christian Academy did.

But not Aja.

Aja said her classmates called her and one other student “traitors,” because they voted for Obama in the school’s mock election.

“I told them, ‘I don’t care who you voted for, you are going to have to respect who the president is,’ ” she said.

Aja said she was influenced to vote for Obama by her family. As she watched the speeches, she solidified her stance after hearing each candidate’s war plans.

Close to two veterans of the Vietnam and Korean Wars, Aja is not fond of what she has learned.

“I’m tired of hearing about wars,” she said.

To help Aja weigh the presidential issues, VanVleck asked Aja if she would like to write a letter to Obama. Aja decided it was a good idea and began drafting a letter on Jan. 8.

“I didn’t want to send this until Obama was in office, because I didn’t want President Bush to be offended,” Aja said, showing a copy of her hand-written letter.

In the letter, she introduced herself and told Obama that she was giving a speech on Martin Luther King, Jr. in an oratory competition. She also made sure to say that she voted for him and thanked him for all he does.

The last line said, “Please write me back!”

Getting her timing just right, Aja mailed her letter on Jan. 17. Then she waited.

Her form letter back arrived on a Saturday afternoon, with a message of thanks for her support.

Aja said she already has her sights on being a teacher or a politician when she grows up. She even insisted on attending a recent Okaloosa County Women’s Democratic Club meeting.

For now, her next task will be writing to first daughters Sasha and Malia Obama to see if they would like to be pen pals.

Aja plans to frame her Obama letter and hang it over her bed.

“It’s my first letter from the president, kind of like my first tooth,” she giggled.

AJA'S LETTER

Jan. 8, 2009
Dear President Obama,
My name is Aja Bell. I am 7 years old and am a second grader at Destin Elementary School in Destin, FL. On January 10th I will be competing in a Oratory Competition at my local college. My speech is going to be about Martin Luther King, Jr. I am soooo happy that America chose you as the next President!!! We voted at my school, and I voted for you. Thank you for all you do!!! Please write me back!

Love, Aja Bell