A Letter from One of the 47 Percent

Dear Mr. or Ms. Politician:

I have taken the time to really think about the recent comment that we as 47 percenters feel like victims. I have to agree with that comment but certainly not for the reasons that were suggested. The only thing that makes me a victim is a government that is non functional and out of touch with the very people they are supposed to be representing.

I live on Social Security Disability. This is my only income. This "entitlement" as it is often referred to by the vast majority of people isn't entitling me to anything except a constant feeling of frustration, disillusionment and hopelessness.

I live in constant and unrelenting pain each and every day. My greatest hope is that one day the sun won't rise for me. I have adjusted to going without certain medications and altered my food allowance to two meals a day. I save any gasoline allowance to cover doctor visits. I go for days and days when I never leave the house. I listen to the politicans and have to wonder "Could they exist in this world". I doubt it but would welcome just one to volunteer to share their time to experience first hand the sacrifices that are necessary just to exist from day to day.

I do read alot and from what I have gathered there are other programs within the government system that are costing the government money and that Medicare and Social Security are not the only programs that are running in a deficit position. Although, they are not ofen mentioned in an election year.

Although my body no longer performs in a way that is useful enough to work on a daily basis there is nothing wrong with the process of thought. So I decided that I would share a few of my thoughts.

Up until a few years ago I worked everyday. I was a single parent in the mid seventies, long before it was considered politically correct. I received no child support. I worked two and three jobs in order to have enough money to raise my son into adulthood. Did I make bad choices. Absolutely, Do I blame the government, absolutely not. I do however, feel that I paid taxes, worked hard and did what was considered the right thing.

I feel that there should be a safe and affordable housing available to the elderly and disabled. I also feel that there should be a reliable health system in place for everyone. At the same time, I truly believe that there is not one person in Washington capable of achieving either goal.

We, as the Citizens of this nation are due a respect and alligence for the hard work and dedication that we provided in our lifetime. None of which we seem to be receiving. There are now well over a million citizens 65 years old and older that are homeless.

Each year that passes this number grows. The Cost of Living raise when and if we are granted does not keep up with the current costs of medication, gas, food, utilities. The formula is outdated and needs to be revised. I would venture a guess, that if politicians had to base their raises on this formula it would be changed immediately - with just an act of Congress and that is one bill I would venture would have no opposition.

If the President was doing his or her job then why in the world would they need 100 million dollars to get re-elected. Or if a candidate had a working agenda of changes that the American people could identify with why would he or she need to raise billions in campaign money. My thought is that each politician be given the same amount of money and that is that. That would allow for a fair and equitable playing field on anyone who cared to run.

Yet, we cannot find homes for the families that have no place to bed their children. No place for the truly deserving vets who have truly sacrified their life and limbs just to have no protection.

Along with the vets, the elderly and disabled is one group that no politician ever seems to talk about, it may be because they have not yet reached voting age. The children of this generation and how all of this stress and worry is affecting the children. In no article, or question during the recent debates has even one politician raised the question of what do they think the psychological effect of the problems that exist on a daily basis for these families that have lost their homes, that are living on the streets, that are wondering where their children may be sleeping tonight or if they are going to provide a meal for them.

So perhaps there may be victims in all of this but certainly not the population that is so frequently the "Talk of the Town". So perhaps, if you agree with my thoughts you could pass this along to others and maybe we as a group of caring Americans can bring about change that will make a difference.