Like many supporting the Democrats during the mid-terms, I received an email yesterday from President Obama. It shows the character of the man with whom I couldn’t be prouder to be associated. He is above the petty, name-calling and finger-pointing. He seems far from world-weary, still holding on to hopeful, all of which I find amazing after all politics has shown of itself over the last six years. Here’s what he says:

Thank you, Jan. The hardest thing in politics is changing the status quo. The easiest thing is to get cynical.

The Republicans had a good night on Tuesday, Jan — but believe me when I tell you that our results were better because you stepped up, talked to your family and friends, and cast your ballot.

I want you to remember that we’re making progress. There are workers who have jobs today who didn’t have them before. There are families who have health insurance today who didn’t have it before. There are kids going to college today who didn’t have the opportunity to go to college before.

So don’t get cynical, Jan. Cynicism didn’t put a man on the moon. Cynicism has never won a war, cured a disease, or built a business, or fed a young mind. Cynicism is a choice. And hope will always be a better choice.

I hope for the next few years, and I have hope for what we’re going to accomplish together.

Thank you so much, Jan.

Classy. If the character of a man is measured by his vision and how he shares it, here’s a “how-to” example. To all of you who don’t agree with anything he says or does, here’s an example of being respectful nonetheless. I saw indignities during his first campaign, the bigotry and racism that still smears our country’s soul because our President is African-American, and this letter is how the guy who has been the target of all that responds. You want decent, here it is. Nothing nasty nor negative. Classy.

Our country has a lot to learn. I hope it has half the courage of this man because that’s what it will take to be recognized as respectful as we should be seen.