Letter Writing

Our "digital" president still reads hand-written letters (10 a day) and responds with hand-written letters.  As reported in the New York Times today, these letters can have quite an effect on President Obama:

"Designed to offer a sampling of what Americans are thinking, the letters are read by the president, and he sometimes answers them by hand, in black ink on azure paper.“'We pick messages that are compelling, things people say that, when you read it, you get a chill,' said Mr. Kelleher, 47. 'I send him letters that are uncomfortable messages.'"The ritual offers Mr. Obama a way to move beyond the White House bubble, and occasionally leads to moments when his composure cracks, advisers said. 'I remember once he was particularly quiet,' said Mr. Obama’s senior adviser, David Axelrod, 'and I asked him what he was thinking about, and he said, "These letters just tear you up." It was after getting a poignant letter from a struggling family.'"

While I am fan of technology and our ability to instantly connect by way of technology and social media, and while I am fan of President Obama's digital savvy, I still appreciate the power of hand-written letters.  They are more personal and can convey more emotion.  There is something to be said for the more traditional communication tools every once in a while.  I am proud of our president for employing both traditional and digital communication to connect with his constituents.