Good Luck to Our New President-Elect Barack Obama
;)
Like many of you, I have been thinking about the historic nature of the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Nearly 130 million Americans came to the polls on November 4th because they were excited about the choice between two very talented and patriotic candidates.
I was impressed on election night when Barack Obama reached out and said, "To those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote but I hear your voices, I need your help and I will be your president, too." He has promised a bi-partisan administration that will unite the country and move us to economic prosperity. I certainly hope and pray that he's very successful.
Most importantly, I salute his historic accomplishment. Never in my lifetime did I imagine that I would see an African-American President of the United States. When my parents opened up their first root beer stand in Washington, D.C., more than 80 years ago, lunch counters were segregated. I grew up at a time when schools were divided between white and black.
Our first Marriott hotel opened before the Civil Rights laws that prohibited discrimination in public accommodations were in place. Working for our company in 1968, I'll never forget hearing about Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Forty years later, this campaign drew from that same sense of hope and promise of a better future for all. It generated unprecedented levels of engagement across race, age and gender.
As a global company with 3,000 hotels, we know that understanding and respecting other cultures is critical to our success. Having a diverse and inclusive corporate culture improves team performance and innovation. It's the only way we can attract the top talent and more customers.
With a father from Kenya and a mother from Kansas, Barack Obama embodies this new global perspective. That's why his election was cheered by people from around the world. Obama articulated the hope and opportunity that is the bedrock of the American dream. It's the hope that inspired my parents to drive from Utah to Washington, D.C., and open up that little root beer stand back in 1927. It's the opportunity for growth and development that we work hard to provide at our hotels worldwide. It's the determination to make their voices count that inspired so many Americans to go to the polls to prove that we're a country where all men and women are created equal and where the opportunities are unlimited. I'm very excited to see what's ahead for America and for the world.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the Move.
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Posted By: Catherine Moulton (12/5/2008)
Comment: Sorry about misspelling Marriott....in technology, we have to take the good with the bad. My misspelling of the website has always been corrected automatically...didn't realize until now. My apologies.
Posted By: Catherine Moulton (12/5/2008)
Comment: Marriott is the only company to think big during this special time in history with the "build your own ball" package for the JW in D.C. (for the inauguration). I would challenge Marriott to think even bigger. I believe there is a huge demand for some way to celebrate this January 20th, not just in D.C. but nationally (and perhaps even globally). Think New Year's Eve celebration ticket model. Marriott Hotels to host inaugural balls in major cities. Include some level of connectivity to Washington D.C. (e.g. live feeds, etc.) so that we all feel like we are a part of this historic event. Make sure you include Sacramento....I know 100 people that are looking for a opportunity to break out the tuxes and gowns.
Posted By: Colonel Larry (12/3/2008)
Comment: As a retired military Colonel, a Christian, and a conservative you can imagine I am a bit skeptical about our incoming Preasident. However, unlike the left who has hate mongered President Bush for eight years, I will support our new President and help him in any way. God Bless the USA.
Posted By: Donell Williams (11/24/2008)
Comment: As a Black man having grown up in the sixties inb the segregated south, I am impressed by your comments.
Peace, Brother Marriott!
Go Obama!
Posted By: Dee (11/24/2008)
Comment: I agree with Eddy! Why do so many people insist on pegging a label on Barack Obama? He is JUST AS MUCH WHITE as he is black so pegging him as one or the other is a dis-servce to him and everyone else! Barack Obama himself never claims he is black - he actually refers to himself as a "a mutt" - a mixture of many different cultures. Which is like most of us in this country! We should be celebrating the fact that he was elected President of the United States - not what color he is or is not!
Posted By: Eddy (11/22/2008)
Comment: I would think Obama would want to be called an American. What does African have to do with anything? he is just another AMERICAN (supposedly) president.
Posted By: Tammy (11/20/2008)
Comment: God Bless you Mr. Marriott, for taking the time to send your message. I'm a loyal customer of Marriott and first time reader of your blog.... Now, I'm a fan of yours...
Posted By: Kasandra Black (11/20/2008)
Comment: Mr. Marriott,
Thank you for your comments,comments filled with much wisdom. May God bless you.
Posted By: Tamarlese A Boyd (11/20/2008)
Comment: Mr.Marriott,
Thank you for your words of wisdom. I appreciate Marriott International, just that much more.
Posted By: Marge (11/20/2008)
Comment: Excellent note... from your well wishes for the President elect to your hope for America's future. Thank you for an eloquent, thoughtful and positive message.
Posted By: Alicia Lauterer (11/20/2008)
Comment: Well said Mr. Marriott! I am a proud conservative who voted for the Palin half of the McCain ticket. I had to comment on the blogger who said, "shameless hypocrisy...". Spoken like a true partisan, I bet this same person spent 8 years trashing GWB and not respecting that he was the President. I voted the other way but I am an American first and will support the new president. What is shameless is people like that blogger who can not respect other people's views.
Posted By: boyin (11/19/2008)
Comment: hope President Obama could handle the tsunami effect of Global financial crisis.
Posted By: Mona Lisa Tatum (11/19/2008)
Comment: Thank you Mr. Marriott for your words of wisdom. It was nice to hear your comments about President Elect Obama. I worked for the Marriott Corporation for 17 yrs in the full service hotels. I love my Marriott family. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet you in person on several ocassions at The Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel located in Crystal City, Arlington VA.
Posted By: Jerome (11/19/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott, I just want to say thank you. I very much appreciate your comments. Your offerings seem to be sincere and unbiased. I have come to love staying with Marriott where ever my travels take me. As a Platinum Premier member, I can say that it has been a pleasure doing business with your company and I look forward to doing so in the years to come! Thanks again.
Posted By: Mike (11/18/2008)
Comment: Dear Bill,
I am so glad you congratualated Barack Obama as I was not sure if we would get your blessing as a lifelong Republican and all. And I know you must be particularly saddened that Mitt Romney failed to make it to the finals. It means a lot coming from you. I was so suprised Obama was valliantly took New Hampshire because doing some vacationing that way all I saw were McCain signs and with all McCains campaigning up there I was sure that the state would swing Republican this year. Obama must have the Midas touch he probably learned from the Marriott spirit to serve or maybe he just got some good ole Democratic luck down there in New Hampshire. I hope you consider joining the incoming economic team as they have a big white house to fill down there is D.C. Thanks
Posted By: Feras Werr (11/18/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott,
As a Jordanian the studied in American Schools during my entire childhood and teenage, I feel somewhat part of the national events that happen in the US. Truly speaking I was very impressed by Mr. Obama's will power, through his speeches and vigorous campaigning, to prove himself to the American citizens that he can do the job and mend what needs to be mended. Deep inside I knew he was going to make it, especially with the grave and unforgivable mistakes that the former administration did to the US economy. Although truly praying that our Lord bless every responsible human effort to fix things for the Americans, one issue just keeps scrolling through my mind. What can our newly elected President do to help stop the bloodshed in Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon and in the rest of the distressed parts of the world? This is not about supporting one party against the other in the Arab conflict as much as it is to bridge political solutions to the rallying parties. Lately the situation represented a time bomb that was about to erupt and believe me it will be strong enough to hurl the region into a World War. We don't want more human bloodshed. The present day news broadcasts and newspapers in the Middle East resemble that of a slaughter house with the number of victims always in the beginning headlines. I personally stopped keeping track of the news accordingly unless something serious breaks out. I truly hope that our Middle East region can savior some rest at a point in the near future and that Mr. Obama with his new staff will be able to do something political to help. I do hope Mr. Obama has a chance to read this.
Posted By: MAURICE WILLIAMS from SINGAPORE (11/18/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriot, Thank you for sharing, I thought I already could appreciate the moment but until I read your blog I only could wish I had your perspective and wisdom. Thank you for sharing.
May I drop you an email. It's an article I wrote about connecting cities as opposed to countries. I would appreciate your comments on this please. Sincerly.
Posted By: Jake C (11/17/2008)
Comment: Mr Marriott, You are always inspiring.
Thanx for all you do for us
Posted By: Hope (11/17/2008)
Comment: Mr.Marriott thank You for all that you have done for the USA. It is time for change. To make change we all have to give
some of our selfs to achive this.
Posted By: Kanani (11/17/2008)
Comment: What a great post! I think much of the corporate movements toward inclusiveness have led to this moment. Were it not for fair hiring and promotion practices put in place by large corporations after the civi rights movements, perhaps our American society would have had a harder time following suit. Good blog, and as always --my favorite place to stay.
Posted By: Mike W (11/17/2008)
Comment: Thanks again Mr. Marriott for a great post. This is indeed a great leap forward for the US.
Posted By: Keith Ridley IV (11/17/2008)
Comment: These sentiments were well appreciated. I thank you for expressing your mark in history of your life. I am always loyal to this brand.
Posted By: Marriott blog reader (11/16/2008)
Comment: To David Broadbent:
If you didn't get a chance to read Mr. Marriott's preceding blog, "The Facts About Marriott and California's Proposition 8," this should answer your question.
Posted By: Sharon (11/16/2008)
Comment: How dare anyone shame another for any type of vote that is cast and passed! Including the votes that have taken place twice! That is what our United States voting is all about, even if you don't like the outcome the people have spoken and voted. Stop spending and wasting my tax dollars in the courts. It just doesn't always go your way, stop wining and...remember we vote in this country for a reason!
Posted By: Linda (11/15/2008)
Comment: I am very thankful as well as emotional to read Marriott's congratulations to President Elect Barack Obama! I am also thankful and moved with the positive comments I've read from the readers of Mr. Marriott's letter. And may God the Almighty truly bless all of you for your kind and encouraging words for our newly elect president, President Obama. One of the most teary things I did read was "I certainly hope and pray that he's, Pres. Obama, is very sucessful" written by Marriott in his letter. I too will keep Pres. Obama, his wife, his children and our great nation in prayer, continously! And please, let's not even forget our U.S. troops which are America's finest! God bless and keep our country. May God be Shepherd over America...home of the brave, land of the free! Thank you every one for your support for this black president. As for the negativity, it will not prevail. For YES WE CAN! We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us! Thank you.
Posted By: Cindy Ness (11/15/2008)
Comment: As an avid traveller I look forward to the day when Americans are once again respected throughout the world. I do not blame the present political adminstration; however it is clear that since 9-11 we have lost respect throughout the world. I appreciate Obama's world view and am hopeful his administration will change how we are viewed throughout the world.
Posted By: M.T.Hess (11/15/2008)
Comment: A change has finally come! Thank you Barack Obama for being a dream come true. I believe this historic event is just what America needs to become more unified than we are right now. And it offers hope to our children that ANYONE can achieve ANYTHING they want with hard work, determination, and perseverance.
Posted By: Lyndsay (11/15/2008)
Comment: What a wonderful message. Despite potentially having differing personal and/or corporate preferences behind the democratic process, Mr. Marriott is rallying behind our President-Elect and working to propel our nation into better times. I applaud the efforts of all citizens to move beyond the ballot cast on November 4 and into the next administration where we all hope better times lie.
Posted By: Randy F (11/15/2008)
Comment: While I agree that this is an historic moment, I hope the fact that Obama is an African American will not be the focus of our thoughts. Let's judge him not by the color of his skin, but by the strength of his character. My guess is he will make this an historic administration in more (positive) ways than by his outward appearance.
Posted By: C. Adams (11/15/2008)
Comment: As a first generation American born to parents who came through Ellis Island, I was raised with no prejudices, even though my parents grew up with them. So I probably have a somewhat difficult time realizing why no one ever thought a black person could be President. Now all blacks in America have no excuse for not succeeding.
Posted By: Monika Bakshi (11/15/2008)
Comment: Rightly said, Mr Bill!!! It is a proud and landmark victory for not Only President Obama, but for all those who have been striving hard to root out "discrimination" in any form! Victory for you too!!
Cheers
Posted By: Avi Matalon (11/14/2008)
Comment: Shameless hypocrisy. Bill Marriott and his family donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Republicans, money that was used to smear President-elect Obama. All of a sudden, Bill Marriott has a change of heart. I don't believe it for a second, it's much too convenient.
Posted By: Derek White (11/14/2008)
Comment: As one who voted for the "other side," I still hold onto the vision that President-Elect Obama and Mr. Marriott have for the future of our country. Regardless of political affiliation, we must look toward the future for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.
Posted By: How much did the mormons give mccain (11/14/2008)
Comment: Gee Bill, you're now touting all the campaigns your millions you gave to the Mormon Church used to go against hope and equality - way to play both sides Bill!!
Posted By: Dave R (11/14/2008)
Comment: If I hold my breath waiting for bipartisanship, I will either turn blue or die or both. Mr. Marriott, you are an optimist.
Posted By: Emily Bohannon (11/14/2008)
Comment: A very inspirational moment in our history and an appropriate statement by the respected head of Marriott. I ahve noever befroe "blogged" but felt it was perhaps time. I truly hope and pray that Obama will prove to be the President we all need for our country and the world community. I admire and respect Senator John McCain tremendously, but it just did not seem to be his time. Now we must unite behind our new President-elect and hopefully see our nation prosper once again.
Posted By: Charles Wenz (11/14/2008)
Comment: Very well said both by Mr. Marriott and President-elect Obama. This is a great nation and a nation of great people. Our hopes and our prayers are with the president elect, and Mr. Marriott, keep up the great work!
Posted By: Brendan Castle (11/14/2008)
Comment: Excellent story! Now I understand why Marriott Hotels are successful, and why I will continue to stay in them.
Posted By: David Broadbent (11/14/2008)
Comment: It was truly a marvelous election and Marriott does a fantastic job of corporate blogging. It's unfortunate that Proposition 8 passed in California. I am curious what role the Marriott family played in this event?
Posted By: barry (11/14/2008)
Comment: i can only hope that this great nation can survive the trouble we are in. I hope and pray that our new administration is up to the job. The future of each of us and by the way the outstanding chain of hotels that is the marriott of today all are in harms way unless the ship of state is righted.
Posted By: Cindi Ghormley (11/14/2008)
Comment: I am a guest at Marriott CPC and listened to Marriott's leaders this morning share the updates and state of the business for your global company. Their passion for the company, the associates, and being the right business partner is a breath of fresh air. And, while I've known it for some time, reading this block reinforces to me that they have a great leader with the same commitment and true spirit. Great blog!
Posted By: Leon Williams (11/14/2008)
Comment: Congrats Pres.-Elect Obama from VBP OutSourcing!
Posted By: Dioni (11/14/2008)
Comment: What an inspiring message this is, I hope more people can read it. I just hope we as a country all feel this way, it would help us all become better people, a better country and a better world.
Posted By: Ron (11/14/2008)
Comment: Regardless of political affiliation, here is to hoping for a turnaround in our country's economic prospects as well as those of the rest of our world. It's easy to forget how tied together all of the world's prosperity is and how dependent we each are on the other's success. On a related note, thank you for your company's commitment to "going green" which in turn benefits the whole world.
Posted By: Jeffrey Santoro (11/14/2008)
Comment: Great blog Mr. Marriott. As a frequent traveler, I think Marriott embodies the concept of an organization on the move and one that is never afraid of embracing change. Your diverse staff are exceedingly talented and committed to making every stay exceptional. I have enjoyed watching your organization transform for the better at every level of your operations. Like President-Elect Obama, Marriott is a leader and one that I trust now and in the future.
Posted By: Maceo Thomas (11/14/2008)
Comment: Wonderful message.
