As a teacher who's spent over 15 years helping "dyslexic" kids—most of whom are simply instructional casualties of outdated teaching methods—I've long believed that true change in America starts with fixing our broken literacy system. U.S. illiteracy rates have barely budged since the 1970s, trapping generations in cycles of poverty and limiting their potential. That's why, for the past decade, I've been tagging and replying to influential voices like Barack Obama, hoping to spark a conversation.
Obama's words often inspire millions: calls for equity, pluralism, and carrying forward civil rights work. But inspiration without action falls short—especially when policies keep failing our kids. Today, fresh off his Pod Save America visit (where he urged Americans to "change this country for the better"), I replied again. No response yet, as usual. But persistence is key in advocacy.
To mark this moment, I'm compiling all my direct replies to @BarackObama here. These aren't random pings; each ties his message to the literacy crisis, linking to my blog posts with evidence-based solutions. From critiques of phonics myths to pleas for early identification of at-risk readers, they're a snapshot of my mission. (I've quoted the tweets verbatim, with timestamps and context. For the full threads, click the embedded links.)
If you're Obama (or his team) reading this: The iron is hot. Let's talk. For everyone else: Share if you agree—reducing illiteracy isn't partisan; it's essential.
The Tweets: A Chronological Chronicle (Oldest First)
July 17, 2023: On Freedom to Read
Context: Obama thanked librarians for defending the "freedom to read" amid book bans, emphasizing democracy's reliance on idea exchange.
My Reply (@MichelLuqman):
"Why would anyone go against the freedom to read what is available? You may choose not to read."
(A simple nod to access as the foundation of literacy—without it, no progress.)
October 14, 2024: On the Nobel Peace Prize and Human Cost
Context: Obama congratulated Nihon Hidankyo on their Nobel for anti-nuclear work, stressing shared humanity and leaving a safer world for kids.
My Reply (@luqmanmichel):
"Consider something for my effort to reduce illiteracy. Read my post this morning at" LINK
(Linking global advocacy to domestic: If we honor survivors' stories, why ignore kids "surviving" failed reading instruction? My post responds to a dyslexia expert's views.)
October 30, 2024: On Kamala Harris Rally Invite
Context: Obama rallied support for Harris in DC, highlighting her character and forward vision.
My Reply (@MichelLuqman):
"Why should we believe when the big boys have been conning the world for years. Read my post at (LINK) and see if you have anything to say."
(Skepticism born of unaddressed crises like illiteracy—my full blog unpacks the "con" in education policy.)
October 31, 2024: Halloween Voting Reminder
Context: Obama's fun Halloween post urging votes via iwillvote.com.
My Reply (@luqmanmichel):
"What did you do to reduce illiteracy. Read my post at LINK The kids leaving school as illiterates has remained the same."
(Even holidays are hooks: Stagnant stats demand accountability.)
November 3, 2024: Milwaukee Election Rally
Context: Obama live from Milwaukee on why to vote Harris.
My Reply (@luqmanmichel):
"What did you do to reduce illiteracy when you were president? 'At the very least, federal and state legislation should not continue to do the same things over and over while expecting different outcomes.' @DianeRavitch LINK
(Quoting education historian Diane Ravitch to challenge presidential legacies.)
November 5, 2024: On Values in Politics (Harris/Walz Endorsement)Context: Obama on Americans wanting good values in leaders like Harris and Walz.
My Reply (@luqmanmichel):
"'they want their values reflected in their policies'. Which part has ever done this including you as the former president? Why is the same percentage of kids leaving school as illiterates since 1972? Read my post at LINK.
View Tweet https://x.com/luqmanmichel/status/1853611728095088862
(Policies must match rhetoric—my post on Grade 1 screening offers a fix.)
November 5, 2024: Michelle on Voting
Context: Obama shared Michelle's IWillVote video.
My Reply (@luqmanmichel):
"I tweeted this woman several times to reduce illiteracy but she never responded. Read more at LINK
(Extending the call to the Obamas as a power couple in education equity.)
November 27, 2024: On Pluralism and Disagreeing
Context: Obama on building habits for deep disagreement while coexisting, ahead of his Democracy Forum.
My Reply (@MichelLuqman):
"I tweeted you several times on how to reduce illiteracy to no avail. Read my post this morning at LINK .
(Pluralism includes debating elite education's role in widening literacy gaps.)
March 8, 2025: Selma Anniversary
Context: Obama on the 60th anniversary of the Selma march, urging us to carry forward civil rights work.
My Reply (@luqmanmichel):
"'Today we’re reminded of their courageous sacrifices, and tasked with the responsibility of doing what we can to carry forward their work.'
Bullshit! The LCI (Lions Club International) does not take action against the largest Club in KK who appointed officers without election. And, you dare say 'we carry forward their work'. Stop this nonsense. Read my post at LINK
(A sharper critique, blending local justice with national equity—link to a post on systemic inaction.)
November 7, 2025: Pod Save America Visit
Context: Obama's drop-in at Pod Save America, calling for organization and honest talks to change the country.
My Reply (@MichelLuqman):
"'we can change this country for the better.' We can and I have tried for over a decade to get the US to reduce illiteracy. I had even tagged you several times but you did not bother to respond. LINK Read that carefully and then question me."
(The latest: Tailored teaching over "one-size-fits-all" to unlock neurodiverse potential.)
These 11 tweets (spanning two years of direct outreach) aren't just digital shouts—they're invitations to evidence. My work, from Shut Down Kids to blog series debunking "Science of Reading" hype, shows how we can identify and teach at-risk readers early, without labeling or medicating them into failure. Obama's vision of a better America? It crumbles without literate citizens.
No replies from his side yet. But algorithms favor persistence, and so does progress. If this resonates, tweet @BarackObama yourself.
Or better: Read one of the linked posts and act—share with a teacher, parent, or policymaker.
Luqman Michel is the author of Shut Down Kids: Why Kids Are Unable to Read and founder of DyslexiaFriend.com. Follow @luqmanmichel and @MichelLuqman for daily literacy insights.
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